Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest suffered an acute cardiac aortic dissection during a performance at the Louder Than Life festival. The incident occurred on September 26th while he was onstage with the band performing, oddly enough, “Painkiller.” Luckily for him the venue was just a short distance from Rudd Heart and Lung Center at UofL Health – Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. Now, less than two months removed from undergoing a life-saving surgery, The guitarist says that he is feeling “very strong and positive.” Faulkner, who is now recovering in his Nashville home, updated fans on his condition.
In a post on his social media page he wrote:
“Hello there maniacs! I just wanted to post, and I’ve had many of you asking for an update on how my recovery is going. I was able to return home from hospital 10 days after my surgery to continue recovery at home. It has now been 7 weeks since the night it all happened and I’m feeling very strong and positive. My incisions have healed very well and I can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m walking well and moving freely, I’m pretty active and I’m starting cardiac therapy very soon. I’m playing guitar everyday and with the love and support of my family, the continued support from you guys and the inspiration that I get from the guitar, I’ll be back on stage in no time! My surgeons are very pleased with my progress and have all reserved front row tickets for the next PRIEST show haha. It’s Thanksgiving this month, and whether you celebrate it or not, I have a lot to give thanks for this year; Including all of you for your patience, your love and your support. Lots of love and I’ll see you down the front soon, horns held high.”
After Louder Than Life, Judas Priest postponed the remainder of the U.S. dates on its rescheduled 50th anniversary tour, dubbed “50 Heavy Metal Years.”
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