JUDAS PRIEST's RICHIE FAULKNER On 50th Anniversary Of 'Sad Wings Of Destiny': The Band 'Really Started To Solidify' Their 'Sound On That Record'

In a new interview with J.J. Caithcart of Different Stages Radio, JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Richie Faulkner was asked about the 50th anniversary of the band's 1976 album "Sad Wings Of Destiny", which features such iconic tracks as "Victim Of Changes", "The Ripper", "Tyrant" and "Dreamer Deceiver". He said about the classic LP (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Oh, it's massive, isn't it? Any PRIEST fan will tell you. It is the second record of their career, after 'Rocka Rolla'. [PRIEST guitarist Glenn] Tipton started coming into play on the second record. And you got behemoths like 'Victim Of Changes' and 'The Ripper', 'Island Of Domination', 'Tyrant'. I mean, they really started to solidify that sound on that record. And I think it's a really important one for the band, in terms of songwriting and sound, and for the fans as well. I think if you ask any fan, that's gonna be up there in their top five records, of PRIEST records."

Richie continued: "We're going out on the road in the summer. So we have to revisit some of those songs, obviously, to pay respects to it. So that's gonna be great."

Asked if there are any PRIEST songs that he would like to perform live that he hasn't had a chance to play with the band yet, Richie said: "Well, [PRIEST producer and touring guitarist] Andy Sneap wants to do 'Island Of Domination' from 'Sad Wings'. We've never done that one — or I haven't, rather. I've always wanted to do 'Reckless'. We did 'Reckless' in rehearsals a couple of tours back, and for some reason we didn't have enough time in the set. We had to cut some stuff out, whatever. I love 'Reckless', and hopefully I'll get to do that one day. But there's tons of them — those deep cuts. 'Pain And Pleasure'. 'Fever' — I'd love to do 'Fever'. I love 'Fever' from 'Screaming Of Vengeance'. There's loads of 'em. So, yeah, we'll see what happens, man. I'll try and get a 'Reckless' in there or 'Island Of Domination'. You never know."

Faulkner also addressed the fact that April 2026 marks the 15th anniversary of his joining PRIEST as the replacement for the band's founding guitarist Kenneth "K.K." Downing. Richie said: "They lied to me, didn't they? They said it's a farewell tour. They lied. [Laughs] No, it's brilliant, really. I can see how it happens. They love what they do, and the fans that have put 'em there for over half a century now, they're really loyal. So you can see — you go out on the road, you go out on tour and you get fired up to do a record, and you go and do a record, get fired up to play the record live, and then the cycle repeats. So, it's amazing, really. They're still making new music, they're still touring, and I think the world's a better place for it. They're still healthy. They still love what they do. They're still killing it. I mean, Rob's [Halford, PRIEST singer] 74, 75 now; I lose track. 50 years sounds like a mistake to say. Him up there at 74, 75, it doesn't compute that someone's doing that. But there he is, at that age, doing what he does. It's an incredible thing, really, and an inspiration to all of us, really."

"The Ballad Of Judas Priest", the much-anticipated documentary about PRIEST and the legendary heavy metal band's epic journey to the top of rock and roll, will receive its North American premiere at the Hot Docs Canadian international documentary film festival, which will present documentaries from around the world to audiences in Toronto from April 23 to May 3.

"The Ballad Of Judas Priest" received its world premiere at the 76th Berlinale - Berlin International Film Festival in February.

Co-directed by documentary filmmaker Sam Dunn and RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's Tom Morello in his directorial debut, "The Ballad Of Judas Priest" celebrates the legendary band's lasting impact on music and culture with their influence reaching far beyond metal.

JUDAS PRIEST's current touring lineup consists of singer Rob Halford, bassist Ian Hill, guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap and drummer Scott Travis.

PRIEST guitarist Glenn Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease more than 15 years ago but announced in early 2018 he was going to sit out touring activities in support of PRIEST's "Firepower" album. He was replaced by "Firepower" and "Invincible Shield" producer Sneap, who is also known for his work in NWOBHM revivalists HELL and cult thrash outfit SABBAT.

Released in March 2024, PRIEST's latest album, "Invincible Shield", entered the U.K. chart at No. 2, just behind Ariana Grande's "Eternal Sunshine".

Prior to "Invincible Shield"'s arrival, PRIEST's highest U.K. chart achievement was with 1980's "British Steel", which reached No. 4.

PRIEST's 2018 album "Firepower" entered the chart at No. 5.

"Invincible Shield" was JUDAS PRIEST's fifth Top 10 album, after the aforementioned "British Steel" and "Firepower", as well as 2014's "Redeemer Of Souls" (No. 6) and the 1979 live album "Unleashed In The East" (No. 10).

"Invincible Shield" landed at No. 1 in Germany, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland, as well as No. 5 in France, No. 8 in Italy and No. 16 in Australia.

Press photo credit: Jeremiah Scott