In a new interview with Metal Pilgrim backstage at the Rock Imperium Festival 2024, Richie Faulkner talked about his mindset before going on stage with Judas Priest.
When asked if he prepares differently before taking the stage to become a metal god, the musician replied:
“It’s a good question. Not really. I think it’s the music. The music brings us all together in that sense. Music and the fans, and the love we have for the band, and the love the fans have for the band. It’s all kind of like a united thing but as you said, we’re pretty much normal guys.”
Putting on their stage gear helps them perform well:
“We put the leather and studs on and get out there and do it. And it’s hard not to do that with those songs and that legacy and the duty that you’re up there to do. You just become… you become the band. You know what I mean? And we can’t do that without the songs or each other or the fans out there. So it’s a magical thing.”
Will Judas Priest Release Another Album?
Judas Priest is currently touring Europe to promote their latest album, ‘Invincible Shield.’ As Rob Halford revealed before, the band plans to work on another record:
“Well, Priest has always maintained its relevance and importance in metal by showing you what we can do next. And the other thing is, I don’t like 19. It’s an odd number. I’m an ‘even number’ kind of guy. I like 20.”
The frontman continued his words:
“But the bottom line is it’s absolutely glorious that we’re still out there. Glenn’s still thriving as a musician, and so is Richie after what he went through with his heart condition. I’m thriving after what I went through with my cancer condition. If that isn’t the embodiment of metal never dying and metal never surrendering, then I don’t know what is.”
After ending their European dates in Istanbul on July 24, the band will keep touring in September in North America. Sabaton will be their special guest during North American shows.
You can watch Richie’s full chat below.