Who Is Richie Faulkner? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Richie Faulkner, born on January 1, 1980, is a prominent British-American guitarist celebrated for his exceptional talent and contributions to the world of rock music. Known primarily for his role as the lead guitarist of the legendary heavy metal band Judas Priest, Faulkner’s journey in music is marked by dedication and creativity. With over two decades of experience in the industry, he has established himself not only as a performer but also as a songwriter and producer.
At 45 years old in 2025, Faulkner continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic guitar skills and engaging stage presence. His Wikipedia page provides more extensive details about his career, achievements, and personal life.
| Occupation | Guitarist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1980 |
| Age | 45 Years |
| Birth Place | London, England |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Richie Faulkner's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing tall at 6 feet (183 cm), Richie Faulkner has an athletic build that reflects his active lifestyle. While his exact weight remains undisclosed, it's estimated to be around 175 pounds (79 kg). Faulkner is known for his signature look, often sporting long hair that complements his rockstar persona. His body measurements, including chest and waist sizes, further accentuate his commitment to maintaining a healthy and fit physique.
On 27 September 2021, Judas Priest had to postpone their "50 Heavy Metal Years Tour" in the United States due to Faulkner undergoing major emergency heart surgery. The band announced on social media that they will look to reschedule the tour following updates from Faulkner's doctors.
In a statement shared on Judas Priest's official website on 5 October 2021, Faulkner explained that when the band was performing "Painkiller" at Louder Than Life in Kentucky on 26 September 2021, his aorta ruptured and started to spill blood into his chest cavity.
Faulkner's doctor told him he had an aortic aneurysm and complete aortic dissection, which is often fatal.
Faulkner was taken to a nearby hospital, the Rudd Heart & Lung Center (which is only 4 miles away from the venue), and quickly went into what turned out to be a 10½ hour emergency open heart surgery where five parts of his chest were replaced with mechanical components.
Faulkner said that this was totally unexpected for him since he had no history of a bad heart, no clogged arteries nor high cholesterol, and then urged the fans to get themselves checked.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Richie Faulkner is in a prominent relationship. While he tends to keep details about his personal life private, he has been linked to several notable figures in the past. His partner is often seen accompanying him to various events and tours, showcasing their strong connection. Faulkner often emphasizes the importance of family and relationships in his life, making it clear that his loved ones are central to his well-being and success.
His inspiration to pick up a guitar was watching recordings of Jimi Hendrix's concerts at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and at the Atlanta Pop Festival in 1970. Faulkner got his first guitar when he was around 7 or 8 years old.
His father played guitar and was a fan of Hendrix and bands like Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, and used to show him a few chords. The first song he learned to play on guitar was The Troggs' 1966 single "Wild Thing".
When Faulkner was about 13 years old, he connected with the owner of a local music shop who played in a cover band, covering material from Iron Maiden to Thin Lizzy to UFO. He asked Faulkner to play a couple of songs with him at some gigs, which was his introduction to the world of gigging.
Net Worth and Salary
Richie Faulkner’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $12 million. This wealth primarily comes from his successful music career, which includes album sales, merchandising, and international tours. His earnings are further supplemented by various business ventures and investments within the music industry. As a sought-after musician, Faulkner also engages in sponsorship deals and endorsements, contributing to his impressive financial portfolio.
Career, Business, and Investments
Faulkner's career took off after he joined Judas Priest in 2011, replacing the iconic guitarist K.K. Downing. Since then, he has played a vital role in the band's sound and identity, contributing to several albums, including "Redeemer of Souls" and "Firepower". Beyond his work with Judas Priest, Faulkner has collaborated with numerous artists and bands, showcasing his versatility as a guitarist.
In addition to his music career, Faulkner has ventured into various business opportunities, including music production and guitar endorsements. His investments in music technology and gear further illustrate his passion for the craft and commitment to innovation in the industry.
In the early stages of his career, Faulkner played in bands such as Dirty Deeds, Voodoo Six (which he co-founded with bassist Tony Newton), Ace Mafia, Parramon, and Lauren Harris' band. His first signed band was Deeds, and their album, 2002's Blown, was produced by Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris.
With Faulkner on guitar, the Lauren Harris band was the opening act on Iron Maiden's Somewhere Back in Time World Tour in 2008. Steve Harris told Faulkner that if anything would have happened to any of his bandmates, he would have chosen Faulkner as a replacement.
Faulkner has also arranged music for actor Christopher Lee's heavy metal album Charlemagne: The Omens of Death. Lee's team sent Faulkner some songs that were very orchestral and symphony-based and asked him to arrange them into metal songs. Both Lee and his team gave Faulkner a free creative rein for any ideas he felt the songs needed.
The album was released on 27 May 2013, Lee's 91st birthday.
Social Network
Richie Faulkner maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where he connects with his fans and shares insights into his life and career. On Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, he frequently posts updates about upcoming shows, new music releases, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life as a guitarist. His fan engagement is notable, as he often responds to comments and messages, reinforcing the community around his music.
Faulkner has cited bands like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, UFO, Rainbow, and Metallica as his early musical influences, as well as guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Brian May, David Gilmour, Eddie Van Halen, Dave Murray, Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, Kirk Hammett, and Michael Schenker as major influences on his guitar playing.
Education
While specific details of Richie Faulkner's education are limited, his musical education is evident through his exemplary guitar skills. He honed his craft through years of practice and experience in various bands before achieving fame with Judas Priest. Faulkner’s commitment to continued learning and improvement is reflected in his ongoing dedication to his musical career.
