JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Richie Faulkner has defended the right of bands to continue performing without their complete classic lineups, stating that audience numbers speak louder than fan criticism.
In an interview with the Metal Forever Music Defenders Of Metal podcast, Faulkner addressed the debate around bands hitting the road after losing key original members: "I think as long as the guys wanna do it, they should do it. If people don't wanna go, then don't go. And people kind of vote with their ticket, don't they? If RUSH got up there and you've got 20,000 people in an auditorium and the guys wanna do it, do it."
He added with characteristic directness: "If people don't wanna go, then don't. Simple as that. That's what I'd say."
The comments carry particular weight coming from Faulkner, who himself joined JUDAS PRIEST in 2011 as a replacement for founding guitarist K.K. Downing. The band's current lineup includes vocalist Rob Halford and bassist Ian Hill — the only members from the classic PRIEST touring era — alongside Faulkner, guitarist Andy Sneap, and drummer Scott Travis.
Ian Hill remains the sole original founding member of JUDAS PRIEST, which formed in Birmingham, England in 1969. Halford departed the band in 1992, returning in 2003. Guitarist Glenn Tipton stepped back from touring duties in 2018 following a Parkinson's disease diagnosis, with Sneap taking his place on stage.
JUDAS PRIEST are currently touring in support of their 2024 studio album "Invincible Shield," which debuted at number one in the UK album charts.