There are challenges in life, and it was a great challenge to have [became a member of Judas Preist]. The situation I was getting into, I knew what it stood for to me and to millions of people around the world. You get an opportunity like that, a chance to audition, you've got to do it. It worked out.
Richie FaulknerListen to other people. Respect the other people in the band, and work together to create something that is larger than the sum of its parts. And have fun.
Richie FaulknerYou have an idea in your mind of how the first show will be. Since I was 15 years old in front of the mirror saying, "If I was in Priest, this is what I would do." But in truth, I don't remember any of it.
Richie FaulknerPractice. Listen. Use you ears. And as Rob [Halford] said, that team effort. You can learn your instrument in your room, but being in a band is more than playing your instrument.
Richie FaulknerIt's also giving back to the community that put us all there in the first place. Priest wouldn't be here without the support of the fans. As soon as I joined the band [ Judas Priest], I got it straight away. Especially in my situation, since I've only been here five minutes. I was a fan.
Richie FaulknerThe second show [Judas Priest] there was a point where I stood back. We had a 40-foot ramp that went out into the crowd. Rob came out on the bike. It was raining. He drove the bike to the end of the ramp. I'm standing there looking at him. Rain coming down. Lights flashing. Blue smoke everywhere from the bike. He's on the bike with his metal horns in the air, and there were 30,000 people in front of him screaming. I remember thinking, "This is real."
Richie Faulkner