In a revealing anecdote, Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner recently shared a unique method his father employed to prepare him for the sheer sonic intensity of his first-ever rock concert: blasting music at full volume in their car. This unconventional "training" not only acclimatized the young Faulkner to the decibel levels of live music but also inadvertently laid a foundational appreciation for the power and presence that would define his future career. Faulkner’s recollections offer a fascinating glimpse into the formative experiences that shaped one of modern heavy metal’s most respected guitarists, highlighting the profound influence of early musical immersion and parental guidance on a budding musician’s trajectory.
Early Immersion: Preparing for the Arena Roar
Faulkner’s initiation into the world of live arena rock occurred in the late 1980s, attending a date on Bryan Adams’ "Into the Fire" tour. This tour, supporting Adams’ fifth studio album released in 1987, was a significant event in the pop-rock landscape of the era, showcasing Adams at the height of his commercial success. For many children attending their first major concert, the unadulterated volume can be an overwhelming experience, often mitigated by parents providing earplugs to protect sensitive hearing. However, Faulkner’s father opted for a decidedly different approach, one that emphasized immersion rather than protection.
"It was my first live gig in an arena, and my dad used to take me out in the car preparing me for how loud it was going to be," Faulkner recounted. This preparatory ritual involved cranking Bryan Adams’ seminal 1984 album Reckless to its maximum volume while driving around. Tracks like "Run to You," a powerful, driving rock anthem that became a major hit from the album, would fill the car’s interior, simulating the colossal sound pressure typical of an arena concert. Reckless itself was a commercial juggernaut, selling over 12 million copies worldwide and featuring a string of hit singles that solidified Adams’ status as a global rock star. The album’s production, characterized by its crisp, powerful drums, driving basslines, and Adams’ signature raspy vocals, made it an ideal candidate for demonstrating the impact of high-fidelity, high-volume rock music. This early, deliberate exposure to loud music served as a crucial desensitization process, conditioning Faulkner’s ears and mind for the formidable sonic environment he was about to encounter. It underscored a philosophy that rather than shielding from the experience, one should be equipped to fully embrace it.
From Mainstream Rock to Metal Mastery
While Bryan Adams provided the initial gateway to arena-sized rock, Faulkner’s musical palate quickly evolved towards heavier genres. The late 1980s were a vibrant period for guitar music, with glam metal and hard rock bands like Guns N’ Roses dominating the airwaves and music charts. Albums such as Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction, released in 1987, became essential listening for aspiring guitarists. Yet, Faulkner’s burgeoning interest took a distinct turn towards the more intricate and aggressive sound of heavy metal.
"Everyone at school was getting into guitar music, but instead of buying a Guns N’ Roses record like everyone else was, I bought Live After Death by Iron Maiden," Faulkner explained. This choice was significant, as Live After Death, released in 1985, was not merely another studio album but a double live album widely regarded as one of the greatest live heavy metal albums of all time. Recorded during Iron Maiden’s "World Slavery Tour" in 1984-1985, primarily at Long Beach Arena in California, the album captured the band at their peak, showcasing their legendary stage presence and musical prowess. It presented a more complex, technically demanding, and theatrically grand form of rock music compared to the blues-infused hard rock of Guns N’ Roses. Faulkner’s preference for Live After Death signalled an early inclination towards musical sophistication and an appreciation for the intricate arrangements that characterized Iron Maiden’s sound.
The Technical Apprenticeship: Learning from the Legends
Faulkner’s deep dive into Live After Death wasn’t passive listening; it was an active, rigorous apprenticeship. He gravitated specifically towards the epic "Hallowed Be Thy Name," a track from Iron Maiden’s 1982 masterpiece The Number of the Beast. Renowned for its dynamic shifts, narrative lyrics, and, crucially, its iconic dual-guitar harmonies, "Hallowed Be Thy Name" is a benchmark in heavy metal composition.
"I remember trying to learn ‘Hallowed Be Thy Name’ with the light and shade and the different parts," Faulkner recalled. His approach to learning the song demonstrated a keen analytical mind and a dedicated work ethic. He observed that the guitars were panned left and right in the stereo mix, with Adrian Smith typically on one side and Dave Murray on the other. This production technique, common in classic rock and metal, allowed for distinct guitar parts to be heard clearly. Faulkner leveraged this to his advantage, focusing on one guitarist’s part at a time. "I’d learn Murray’s bits and then turn him off and play the gig, essentially," he elaborated. This method of isolating and mastering individual components, then integrating them, is a highly effective, albeit challenging, way to learn complex musical arrangements. It allowed him to internalize the nuances of each guitarist’s contribution, understanding not just the notes but the feel, phrasing, and interplay between them.
This intense, self-directed study became a cornerstone of his early development. "After school my friends would go out, and I’d just play guitar night after night with Iron Maiden," he stated. This period of solitary, focused practice, guided by the intricate compositions of Iron Maiden, undoubtedly honed his technical skills, developed his ear for harmony and melody, and instilled a profound discipline crucial for any aspiring professional musician. It also fostered an early appreciation for the architecture of heavy metal songwriting, particularly the sophisticated use of twin-guitar attacks that would become a hallmark of his own playing style in the future.
A Foundation for a Legendary Career
The unique combination of his father’s immersive concert preparation and his own diligent study of metal’s pioneers laid a formidable foundation for Faulkner’s career. The car sessions with Bryan Adams didn’t just prepare him for loudness; they prepared him for the visceral impact of rock music, the way it fills a space and resonates with an audience. This understanding of sonic presence is invaluable for a live performer. His subsequent deep dive into Iron Maiden’s Live After Death provided the technical bedrock, teaching him about arrangement, dynamics, and the power of harmonized guitar leads – elements that are central to the heavy metal genre, and indeed, to Judas Priest’s sound.
This early mentorship, whether explicit from his father or implicit from the records he devoured, highlights the crucial role that environment and personal drive play in shaping a musician. His father’s unconventional method speaks to a pragmatic understanding of live music, preparing a child not just for the spectacle but for the raw sonic force. Faulkner’s subsequent choice to delve into the complexities of Iron Maiden, rather than the more immediately accessible rock of his peers, demonstrates an innate curiosity and a pursuit of musical depth that would define his professional journey.
Stepping into the Metal God’s Shoes: Faulkner’s Judas Priest Era
Richie Faulkner’s dedication to his craft ultimately led him to one of the most coveted positions in heavy metal. In 2011, he joined Judas Priest, replacing the legendary K.K. Downing, a founding member whose distinctive style had been integral to the band’s sound for over four decades. Stepping into such a role, especially within a band often referred to as "Metal Gods," was an immense challenge that demanded not only exceptional technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of the band’s legacy and sound.
Faulkner proved to be an inspired choice. His playing style, characterized by a powerful blend of classic heavy metal riffing, shredding virtuosity, and a keen sense of melody, quickly resonated with fans. His contributions to Judas Priest’s albums, beginning with 2014’s Redeemer of Souls and particularly shining on 2018’s critically acclaimed Firepower, demonstrated his ability to honor the band’s heritage while injecting fresh energy. His songwriting credits on these albums, alongside Rob Halford and Glenn Tipton, further solidified his integral role in the band’s creative process.
On stage, Faulkner’s dynamic presence and powerful delivery have been instrumental in revitalizing Judas Priest’s live shows. His high-energy performances, often involving intricate guitar solos and powerful stage movements, reflect an artist who is not only technically brilliant but also deeply connected to the visceral experience of live rock, an understanding cultivated from those early car rides. His ability to seamlessly integrate into the band, sharing lead guitar duties with Glenn Tipton (and latterly Andy Sneap), is a testament to his musical versatility and deep respect for the genre.
The Enduring Impact of Early Musical Mentorship
Faulkner’s journey from a young boy in a loud car to a pivotal member of Judas Priest underscores several broader implications for music education and the development of talent. Firstly, it highlights the often-underestimated role of parental influence in nurturing a child’s artistic passions. While his father’s method was unconventional, its intent was clear: to prepare him for a full, unadulterated experience of live music. This hands-on, immersive approach fostered a deep connection to sound that might not have been achieved through more traditional means.
Secondly, Faulkner’s story exemplifies the power of self-directed learning and the importance of engaging with challenging material. His choice to dissect Iron Maiden’s Live After Death and meticulously learn "Hallowed Be Thy Name" showcases a proactive, analytical approach to musicianship. This level of dedication, fueled by genuine passion, is often what distinguishes professional musicians from hobbyists.
Finally, the narrative serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of classic rock and metal bands. The music of Bryan Adams and Iron Maiden, created decades ago, continues to inspire and educate new generations of musicians. These foundational artists provide a rich tapestry of techniques, songwriting approaches, and performance ethics that shape the sounds of today. Richie Faulkner’s career is a living testament to this lineage, demonstrating how early exposure to powerful, well-crafted music, coupled with relentless practice and a passion for the craft, can lead to a career at the pinnacle of the music industry. His story offers a compelling case study for how early, almost primal, interactions with sound can forge a lifelong path in the world of heavy metal.
