Richie Faulkner replaced KK Downing in Judas Priest
Richie Faulkner, guitarist for Judas Priest since 2011 when he replaced KK Downing, spoke about KK's recent statements.
Two weeks after Glenn Tipton announced he was retiring from touring due to his battle with Parkinson's disease, Downing released a statement saying he was "shocked and stunned" not to have been called back to join the band and suggested that Glenn's producer and replacement on the tour, Andy Sneap, had composed and/or recorded Tipton's parts. "My contribution to the new Judas Priest album was much more than just as a producer."
Asked by Let's Rock about Downing's comment, Richie said: “I don’t think that should cross anyone’s mind. I don’t think Glenn Tipton and Judas Priest would do anything to undermine the integrity they’ve built over the last 50 years or what the fans have given them over the last 50 years. So, in short, Glenn Tipton played all his parts on this album. That’s the last word, you know what I mean, it’s not that it’s my word, but that’s the answer and that’s the truth.”
“I know KK implied that [Sneap played guitar on the album], and he backtracked, saying that wasn’t what he meant, but we all knew what the implication was. To be honest with you, it’s all a storm in a teacup. I think the main thing here is that we have an excellent album, and that’s what we focused on. And Glenn was one thousand percent into it, as he always has been.”.
Regarding how he and Andy Sneap will be splitting guitar duties during the tour, Richie said, "Andy will be playing most of Glenn's guitar parts, and for the classic songs, I'll be playing KK's parts, and on the new songs, my own parts, which is technically the same as what we did on the Redeemer Of Souls tour."
"It's going to be interesting, and Andy also said that he's not the new guitarist, he's filling in for Glenn, he's raising the flag for Glenn and helping Judas Priest. He doesn't want to come in and take over, he wants to offer support to his heroes."
“[Glenn] was a hero to me. He’s even more of a hero now, knowing him personally. And it’s the same for Andy. He loves Glenn, he loves the band, and he’s there showing his support. And if and when Glenn decides to come back and make some music with us, Andy will be more than supportive. It’s a noble attitude and an attitude that makes you realize you’re with the right guy.”.
