In the middle of performing the iconic metal song Painkiller, Judas Priests guitarist Richie Faulkner suffered a ruptured aorta onstage at Louder Than Life.
According to a statement from Faulkner on the bands website, he was sent to UofL Healths Rudd Heart and Lung Center quickly afterward and went into an emergency open heart surgery that lasted for more than 10 hours. Painkiller was the bands final song of the set on Sunday, Sept. 26. They were the second last band to perform that night, with Metallica headlining.
As I watch footage from the Louder Than Life Festival in Kentucky, I can see in my face the confusion and anguish I was feeling whilst playing Painkiller as my aorta ruptured and started to spill blood into my chest cavity, Faulkner said in the statement. I was having what my doctor called an aortic aneurysm and complete aortic dissection. From what Ive been told by my surgeon, people with this dont usually make it to the hospital alive.
Faulkner said that he has no history of heart problems, and that he is grateful for all of the support that was shown to him.
Ive been moved to tears and humbled by friends, family, my fantastic band, crew and management and also you guys sending me videos and messages of love and support during the last week I thank you all so much and although I have a recovery road ahead of me, as soon as Im able to get up and running again, youll be the first to know and well get back out there delivering the goods for you all !
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This article appears in September 29, 2021.
