Judas Priest-Painkiller-LIVE-Louder Than Life Festival 2021

[@streetsociology814]

Full aortic dissection is barely surviveable under the best circumstances but hell he just keeps shredding lead guitar for Judas Priest instead of dying. That's pretty god damn fucking metal

[@MusicMotivator]

The irony of the song they were playing!! Richie is THE Metal GOD.

[@jimh6391]

1 in 5 people survive

[@MetallicaRules]

I don't think there is anything more metal in the world.

[@dnamusicchallenge5995]

He committed. The good kind.

[@Trollamollex]

Can't....you know ...stop the painkiller

[@natsariat430]

He literally won a Guitar Duel against the death itself!

[@looeegee]

He did the dance of the death with the grim reaper

[@rachidthpabuence142]

Cant believe he was pretty much dying in front of so many people AND DIDNT MISS A FUCKING NOTE!!!

[@fritzcolburn]

There's no "pretty much" one more song and he probably would have been gone

[@Sammie_Sorrelly]

Yeah, there's "the show must go on" and there's ripping one of the most iconic guitar solos in metal like it's no more effort than tying your shoelaces. Absolute legend.

[@sasca854]

No "pretty much" about it; he was having an aortic dissection. You know in the movies when someone suddenly grabs their chest and dies of a "heart attack" moments later? That's an aortic dissection. Myocardial infarctions (aka heart attacks) almost always slowly ramp up over hours or days or even weeks-- not nearly as dramatic. Usually people die right then and there on the spot when they get hit with an AD. Thanks to his relative youth and a healthy dose of luck, the integrity of his aorta managed to remain intact enough for him to get to the hospital-- but only just. If he waited any longer, he would've died.

[@ApexofWar_]

Most metal thing I've ever seen. So much so I hope to never see it again.

[@rachidthpabuence142]

@@ApexofWar_ damn right!!

[@BeerCrafted]

Ritchie Faulkner: literally dying PLAYS EVERY NOTE PERFECTLY!

[@MetalMe55iah]

Richie shreading a note perfect painkiller solo while suffering a potential catastrophic heart attack is the most metal thing I will ever see in my dam life

[@fabricio2467]

What a legend.

[@jegl1012]

That is the most bad ass thing RF has ever done.

[@jeremysmall8706]

Literally insane I noticed him touching his chest but I thought he was just doing that for the crowd 👀

[@elansleazebaganno]

It was the most insane shit to see live, especially knowing what he was going through while playing. My dad, who'd seen Priest 3 or 4 times before this, said that this is the best they've ever played and that honestly is insane to think about

[@taskmaster65]

Riche's Statement: Maniacs… I’ve always been grateful for the opportunities I’ve been presented with. I’ve always considered myself THE most fortunate man ever - to be able to play my favourite music - with my favourite band - to my favourite people around the world… Today just being able to type this to you all is the biggest gift of all… 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…. I was having what my doctor called an aortic aneurysm and complete aortic dissection. From what I’ve been told by my surgeon, people with this don’t usually make it to the hospital alive….. I was taken to nearby Rudd Heart & Lung Center and quickly went into what turned out to be a 10 ½ hour emergency open heart surgery. Five parts of my chest were replaced with mechanical components…..I’m literally made of metal now…. It could have all ended so differently - we only had an hours set that night due to Metallica’s performance after us - and it does cross my mind if it was a full set, would I have played until total collapse…? If it hadn’t happened in such a high adrenaline situation would my body have been able to keep going long enough to reach the hospital…? The amazing Heart & Lung Center was 4 miles away from the gig site - if it had been further away…….. We can always drive ourselves crazy with these things but I’m still alive thankfully. Whatever the circumstances, when watching that footage, the truth is, knowing what I know now, I see a dying man….. I’ve 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 I’m able to get up and running again, you’ll be the first to know and we’ll get back out there delivering the goods for you all….! One last thing maniacs, this came totally out of the blue for me - no history of a bad heart, no clogged arteries etc…my point is I don’t even have high cholesterol and this could’ve been the end for me. If you can get yourselves checked - do it for me please…… Lots of love and see you down the front again soon…. Richie… This is from our strong falcon - he will be flying high again just as soon as he is able…. JUDAS PRIEST October 6th, 2021

[@fritzcolburn]

This needs to be pinned for historic reference. It'll also keep the video within fair use provisions for that reason 😉

[@henrywalton5967]

"I'm literally made out of metal now" Painkiller Lyrics: "He is half man and half machine"

[@paweszatan5775]

When pop stars cancel entire tours because of a broken toenail, Richie plays a Painkiller with a cracked aorta. Man, it was the fucking metal thing in the world. LEGEND!

[@melissadag69]

@@henrywalton5967 AND... "METAL GOD(s)" LOL ;)

[@melissadag69]

Thank you for sharing Richie's statement to us fans around the world! I've watched this video over and over and STILL can't wrap my head around him having a heart attack and staying ON POINT all the way through the song! What a true Metal Guitar God!!! Richie, if you happen to see these comments, my prayers are with you to get better soon. But also, take your time, there's no rush. YOU Sir, and your family, are more important! We, at least most of us, understand!

[@MetallicaRules]

I was at this show. At the time, me and everyone else were just enjoying the kickass performance. Rewatching, knowing what we know now, it’s actually a bit scary, can’t imagine what Richie was feeling and going through. Get well soon man.

[@joshuadr5883]

Couldn't agree more, brother

[@silviahalford8269]

❤️❤️❤️

[@janalong2702]

Really sad. I hope he makes a complete recovery and can back on stage

[@1dawnf]

yep same

[@metallimatt10]

He's cemented his status as a metal God didn't even miss a beat

[@bb-gc2tx]

knowing what we know now this is the most metal moment in metal history

[@joshuadr5883]

Absolutely

[@delpushetonequa3916]

Home boy was bleeding to death in his chest but still kept playing metal. And now he is literally a man made of metal

[@_lordshadow1823]

"He's half man and half machine!"

[@fritzcolburn]

Richie Faulkner is a beast. We're watching a dead man here that refused to drop.

[@HCkev]

Me: "Damn this solo is fucking unplayable! I'll never be able to be play it! " Richie: * plays the solo perfectly as if it was nothing while having an heart attack *

[@Breakingthewhaaat]

Dude hammered out a stellar performance while having a heart attack, get some rest Richie mate, you deserve it.

[@ferox965]

Even scarier than that-aortic dissection...it's called the widowmaker-that's what killed John Ritter. He's VERY lucky. What a fucking warrior.

[@tenshyogaming]

Aortic aneurysm/dissection. Dude was bleeding to death. With aneurysms like that, your chance of survival is minimal unless it's immediately caught. He's exceedingly lucky

[@scanman9467]

The widowmaker is the LAD. Not the aorta.

[@firekip685]

@@ferox965 a “widow maker” and dissecting aortic aneurysm are two different things. The widow maker is a simultaneous occlusion of the LAD and circumflex arteries causing an infarction. I have seen a dissection so large that it pressed and occluded the RCA causing an inferior MI.

[@ferox965]

@@firekip685 I stand corrected.

[@bharp4390]

This just solidifies Richie's spot as one of the best guitarists alive right now. This a whole new level of dedication.

[@LoganFK]

It is beyond insane that he was not only able to perfectly finish the solo, but stay in character the rest of the song. Richie pointed at me three times in Virginia Beach. I’m so happy he is still here with us and recovering. So glad the world did not lose one of its best guitarists.

[@funeralbillii9172]

I'm 46, have been playing guitar for 30 years now, and I've had 2 heart attacks since 2011. How the hell Ritchie kept playing and didn't miss a note is beyond me. Ritchie is a monster player and a super-sweet dude, I really hope he pulls through and makes it back to the band if that's his wish. And now all you non-players know how hard it is to play Painkiller on guitar...not to mention it has a "killer" solo!!

[@indianmilitary]

If it was a heart attack, he wouldn't have been able to complete the song

[@adamwesley9569]

Just as bad if not worse my wife drove to the ER with an MI

[@jra1753]

My guy playing Painkiller note perfect while having a full aortic dissection... what a madman. The dude should not be alive right now. Most people dont make it throught a spontaneously rupturing aorta. Well wishes to him!

[@kahafa7406]

Crazy...my best friend died from this three year ago at his job!!!

[@machaik4041]

Dude has balls as big as church bells to have completed this song with his heart bleeding into his chest. NOTHING will ever be more metal than that!

[@stanfordmom5424]

I was there and couldn't tell he was in trouble. But watching this you see in his face. The fact he is going on adrenaline and crowd energy is incredible. An Aortic aneurysm can almost instantly kill you. The Drs here in Louisville are incredible. To spend 10 hrs saving his life where most would have gave up.

[@MetalMe55iah]

just hope he gets some rest

[@joshuadr5883]

I had no idea. I posted this about a week and a half ago and just found out anything was going on like 4days ago

[@Severeign-sf5uq]

Can't help but admiring Ritchie, knowing he was close to dying at that moment and didn't fail a bit playing the song. It's unbelievable.

[@NoBrainerLanguages]

Both Rob still kicking ass in this difficult song and Richie Faulkner on the verge of dying, but playing like the master he is makes this footage twice as valuable.

[@satishdass7460]

Im having a hard time watching this knowing this man is dedicated to his work in the face of a life ending event. So much mad respect for Richie. He doesn't miss a beat but I hope the next time anyone feels this just drop whatever you're doing and leave.

[@scottsmusicandvids716]

Ever since I took a new position at work a couple of months ago I've felt an extreme tightness in my chest every night, sometimes it almost feels as though my heart is going to stop. I know It's the stress of the position because I feel just fine on the weekends. I thought I could just tough it out but after seeing this happen to RichieRichie ( who's 12 years younger than I am) I'm thinking maybe I should have a discussion with my employer ( but thinking about THAT causes stress too🤷‍♂️)

[@r.coffman1431]

@@scottsmusicandvids716 how about a discussion with your doctor...

[@zera2314]

@@scottsmusicandvids716 Kind of a random place to bring up your health condition, but yeah, talk to your doctor, not KZbin comment sections.

[@MissSorceress]

Better to be aware of it and share it than ignore it! Take care of yourself. Your life is more important than any job, even if you're struggling to make ends meet. Can't do the job anyway if you aren't well. We need to finally tell employers they need to be better at providing us safe working conditions.

[@scottsmusicandvids716]

@@MissSorceress Yep. Ritchie's episode is what inspired me to talk to HR bout my position. I mean, if that can happen to him and he had no history of heart problems, no cholesterol, etc, it could happen to anyone anywhere. Unfortunately, I can't go back to my previous position until November 9th, and that's only if someone hasn't taken it already. The current one isn't worth the extra 2 dollars an hour. And where I work is VERY big on safety. I'm still crossing my fingers that Sweetwater will call me to be a guitar inspector. That would be a little less pay, but a major upgrade in a lot of other ways.

[@thepriest98]

And to think this show could have turned into a tragedy. The Falcon didn't miss a note while literally having a heart attack half way through the show. Hoping for a full recovery.

[@joshuadr5883]

Man that's crazy ..I had no idea till I read your comment

[@williamkramer9731]

There's an interview with him.... If I recall it actually started during the solo of this

[@thepriest98]

@@williamkramer9731 You are right. I just read what he wrote. He's right if it was a full set he wouldn't have lived.

[@michaelglindmyer3336]

Worse than a heart attack Aortic Aneurysm

[@thepriest98]

@@michaelglindmyer3336 At the time I wrote this it wasn't officially the cause. That's come out days later

[@ManekiNeko1972]

with all those rockstar deaths lately, Richie Faulkner just looked at the angel of death and said "wait your turn, bitch!"

[@cr820]

The angel of death then threw some horns up and headbanged. Turns out they're a huge fan.

[@LeunamRM-hv5fo]

70 YO and still singing like a real painkiller, the Metal God Rob Hanford 🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼

[@bjankowski27]

Pretty Ironic that he’s playing Pain Killer while probably being in the most pain he’s ever been in…get better brother!

[@maxbench25]

That's just about the most metal thing I've ever heard/seen. Glad he's on the road to recovery

[@vaibanez17]

Almost dying but finishing the song without missing a beat is metal AF

[@deadguysuperstar]

Just look at him a little after 5:00. This guy is a madman. It’s almost like that smile is him looking death directly in the eyes and saying, nope. Fuck you. I’m finishing this set and there’s nothing you’re gonna do about it. Glad you’re still with us Richie and by the way, you killed that solo!

[@josemiguelzunigainestroza2312]

He is a metal hero. From now on he will be loved and respected by all the fans around the world

[@shomizu9]

2:34 *thoughtful look* "Something feels a little off today inside" (What a complete badass)

[@Siarawaszympanemjest]

A pure METAL beast, shredding with blood drowning him on the inside. Also if that's a person transcribing the concert in sing language on the bottom there this is the coolest thing ever.

[@agonizedart]

Judas F'n Priest... 50 freaking years of legendary music and influence.. Incredible band that I've been fortunate to see more than once. Our heroes are getting old, as are we.. Props to that guitar hero, and props to Rob for holding it down for so long, and even busted out a couple guttural vocals.. One of the best to ever do it.

[@Bartman954]

Dude is in his 70's and can still do a brilliant performance

[@Darkruler16]

Talk about a true painkiller, RF just shreds through the solo whilst having a heart attack and making it look like childs play.... What a legend. Wishing for a speedy and full recovery to the madman

[@ZackIStall100]

Fight or flight response definitely saved him, he is running purely on adrenaline and muscle memory. Absolutely insane. I hope he gets well soon.

[@codyjaymz]

In this case Richie is the actual Painkiller. What a badass!

[@fontainemullins5620]

My dad had an aortic aneurysm and said it was the most pain he'd ever felt. He said he could feel it tearing. Doctors said he only survived because he was so fit and his heart was strong.

[@PippaPPod]

That Richie could continue performing while he was suffering is astounding! Get well soon!

[@enochpayton2343]

Cleanest damn guitar playing I've ever heard in concert!

[@Endlessnameless803]

Not to mention the fact he was having an Aortic Aneurism literally during the guitar solo. Had a family member die from that. Definitely not something a lot of people survive. Not only did he survive, he finished the show. Doesn’t matter that he isn’t the original guitarist, he kicks major ass and belongs in Judas Priest just as much the original Iconic duo did. Especially after this. Ps, Andy Sneap rules too

[@darthmagnus8855]

Just saw them tonight in DC. Richie is better than ever!

[@tylerspeegle108]

Thats the spirit of a true musician. Faithful to his art, even if it would cost him everything. Hope he gets well soon and can continue to rock on for years to come

[@m1ghtysauc3E]

Jesus how does Rob still sound so good?

[@bullfrogpondshop3179]

Really? I thought he sounded like crap...and I'm a huge Priest fan AND not one to badmouth bands' performances. I saw them on opening night of the tour in Reading, PA and it was the same as this video: he talked most of the lyrics and his phrasing was completely off the whole show. It was the worst I've ever seen him. I said to my buddy, "Get a good look because this is the last time you'll see them. I'm betting they don't finish this tour." Of course, I was basing that on Halford's performance...never dreamed it would be the youngest guy in the band having serious heart issues. So sad to see your musical heroes go downhill like this....

[@nicholashouse4261]

@@bullfrogpondshop3179 Can't live forever, unfortunately.

[@bullfrogpondshop3179]

@@nicholashouse4261 Yep, Father Time is kind to nobody...least of all metal singers

[@DavidQuinones69]

He sounded awful

[@superstuffestuff3958]

He sounds a little more like King Diamond nowadays, at least from what I've heard of Mercyful Fate and King Diamond

[@KungFuChess]

And he killed the solo too! 🤟

[@joshuadr5883]

Was probably the cleanest guitar playing I've ever seen/heard live. Not only that solo but the entire set.

[@timg7942]

How does he have an aortic aneurysm, nail a solo note for note, finish a concert and live to tell the story. This is the pinnacle of metal

[@marklawless8829]

can't believe he is playing this with an heart attack. He is an Hero.

[@oscarcampos5568]

Mad respect. This guy shreds like nobody can all while having a massive heart attack, aortic good gawd man! Heal up quickly sir, you are a bad ass!

[@JohnLennon__]

Man that guy doing sign language is rocking the fuck out 😂😂😂😂

[@jackclark1356]

Most metal thing I've ever seen. All respects to Richie!

[@0mik3mik3]

This has to be the most metal performance in history.

[@ernestkaiser6893]

Ritchie was having a heart attack during this song. Cant tell though, Held it together somehow and sounded flawless. He was rushed to the hospital for a 11 hour, open heart surgery.

[@TheSammyreynolds]

He wasn't having a heart attack. He was literally bleeding to death.

[@davidknichal6629]

Judas Priest guys and especially Richie deserve all the love and praise for saving us from boring and prolonged music produced today. Thank you Richie, our Falcon master and get well

[@thrashmetalhead88]

This show shall go down in Metal history.

[@maximumrb1234]

That commitment man, wow, definitely legendary Ritchie.

[@odelldaniel7868]

I seen JP in 1991...amazing, they are still kicking ass, miss KK an Glenn though.

[@waynewilcox444]

There's a song in this amazing story....you just can't kill heavy metal Rest up and get well Falcon

[@josuevintage]

Death: Ritchie, I've come for you Ritchie: Shhhh... I'm playing!

[@jagannathaniyengar4369]

Shredding high on rupture Stronger free and brave Seeing Ritchie Faulkner's power He's been brought back from the grave

[@davidhodierne2612]

Get well soon Richie.

[@allanshane807]

This news is unbelievable can’t believe he still could play and such an intense song wow hope he gets better soon scary as shit but pure metal at heart....you can’t kill the metal

[@viniciusdeoliveira5869]

Death: Time to go Him: Keeps on schredding Death: Excuse me, I'm the Grim Reaper. Who do you think you are? Rob: I'll tell you in a second, dear. 4:00

[@leighhorne1670]

A damn miracle and what a performance…legendary.

[@simonjamesdean2307]

Ring ring..."Hey KK, it's Rob, you got anything planned for the next few months??"

[@williamhadley1580]

Truly an example of how ingrained that song is in his muscle memory. Dude is literally dying while shredding and not missing a note. That's as metal as it gets 🤘Get well quick , glad you're still with us Ritchie!

[@mikeg.9238]

It's crazy that Richie was able to continue to play , he's very lucky. Most people don't survive something like that , hopefully he will make a full recovery. Way to young for something like that to happen...

[@Steeler_]

having read the news and resent update it feels strange to watch this but at the same time it is a relief to hear that the surgery went well and that recovery is going well. best wishes to him and hope to see the band on the road once he's in the clear! with how serious it was I'm amazed but so so happy that he made it to a hopefully full recovery. Take care Richie!

[@angelarballo4478]

That solo was literally his Painkiller. Insane!

[@Machinedead]

Omg, he took it like a warrior and actually finished the song! A true example of persistence and finesse. Get Well Richie! Hold on, perseverance, power !

[@dmjord412]

He’s so metal, he has a metal chest now.

[@bigboy9661]

Future solo album title: "Metal Chest"

[@_lordshadow1823]

"He's half man and half machine!"

[@kornaros96]

No, he is a metal machine... 😉

[@bigdaddycool1000]

Halford IS the Metal God-Hell of a Performance!A Man in his 70th...amazing

[@joshuadr5883]

They were one of my favorite sets that last day..

[@explorer806]

That's called putting your heart into your playing. Get well soon Richie. \m/

[@Shadoestar]

Richie Faulkner was having a full aortic dissection up there and yet, he still managed to nail the solo. Hercules himself would have patted him on the back and said, "Good job, dude."

[@AuntAlnico4]

Did he get that mRNA technology gene editing injection that is causing so much heart problems !?

[@kane00000]

Nah, Thor would have gave him a reach around while Spiderman watched from the closet.

[@JohnDoe-mv2be]

@@AuntAlnico4 nailed it

[@metalben005]

Ritchie out here shredding a perfect guitar solo for one of the most metal songs while his heart is fucking exploding, shooting blood into his lungs. You simply cannot get more metal than that.

[@joshuadr5883]

The cleanest guitar playing I've ever seen /heard live. The whole set

[@JACKSONLEWISOFCANADA]

That last part of the song you can see the fear. Ritchie get well!

[@gabrielbarblay8120]

is crazy that this happened on a show called louder than life

[@carlosabad6596]

Get well and take care Richie ! I saw Priest back in 2011 in Costa Rica , great memories !

[@sushilshrestha6109]

Ritchie is the man made of metal ....... A pure inspiration to us all maniacs.

[@Whenitappensyoullknow]

First time seeing him play live. Double impact in this crazy saga for me as I’d given up on any chance to see Priest onstage. Missed my last opportunity when I was 16! 🤯😎🤘🏻🤘🤘🏽🙏

[@gregsimmons694]

God bless all the rockers and savior JESUS heal Richie!

[@marcelrubia3351]

This could've turned out a different way...healing blessings Richie😉

[@theartofcollecting2006]

I feel the rhythm of the song is almost like one of those triumphant type and watching him, it was amazing and inspiring to a younger (15) fan like me.

[@KatherineMayWilliams]

You can't tell at all what Richie was going through. Amazing. He just kept shredding. None more metal. (All the best to Richie with the recovery. Mad props to the surgical team.)

[@LoganFK]

We all love you Richie!

[@marvinamiller8474]

Wow, after seeing this video and ready Richie's statement all I can say God Bless him. Proof that it was not his time yet. Get well soon and get plenty of rest.

[@DanielAntoniasse]

Richie showed us that he is a real metal warrior. God bless you Richie Faulkner. 🤘🏻

[@dan_gabriel]

😍😍😍This news made me cry, i love this man!!!

[@MrSilvius]

Just wow man. Bow down

[@enriquemansilla1862]

Most metal and epic shit ever. I can't even play that solo in my bedroom lmao

[@XxSypherxX91]

Thank God for Music and Adrenaline! Rest easy Richie!!!

[@jjones___]

The song lived up to its name for Richie

[@thepixelglitched]

Richie is an absolute _MADLAD_ and metal _incarnate._

[@elestraza]

The Show Must Go On

[@SamPlaysBass49]

The next time I am having a rough day getting started at work I am going to remind myself Richie Faulkner played Painkiller flawlessly with his aorta spilling blood into his chest.

[@vailewalders1395]

Wow you're so lucky the stars and Angels were aligned, consummate professional and showman it's amazing, hoping your recovery goes well, how ironic you were doing "Painkiller"

[@mot0rdeth]

At this point I thougth he had pretty much earned his place between these metal giants, but after watching this I'm 100% sure he was destined to be among the legends

[@poltergeist3194]

Playing Painkiller solo and ripping it while bleeding internally and on top of it surviving it, is the most fucking metal thing to ever happen!

[@djgarymills4136]

God bless you Falcon! A true metal God! I cannot wait to hear you playing again on the song that surly evolves from this moment in time! Get well soon 🔥

[@yesfan157]

Absolute stud.

[@smakermanster]

I'm glad he's still with us, but god damn, if that isn't a hella metal way to go out - with the most wicked fuckin solo in front of a massive crowd eating up every note you hit!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ControCultura-]

Richie faced hell and survived! That's the most metal thing i've ever seen

[@dRevnik]

it once and for all finally porve that this actually is the painkiller.

[@metal_mike3083]

IT'S OFFICIAL - Metal God Status Achieved !!!!