"IT'S JUST THE GUITAR AND THE AMP"

FOR A CLASSIC HEAVY METAL SOUND, JUDAS PRIEST’S RICHIE FAULKNER KEEPS IT SIMPLE

- Ellie Rogers

After suffering an aortic aneurysm while performing with heavy metal legends Judas Priest in 2021, Richie Faulkner has more than bounced back with his all-new supergroup Elegant Weapons – the name inspired by the Gibson Flying Vs he’s always loved.

The debut album Horns For A Halo was recorded with drummer Scott Travis, also of Judas Priest, plus Pantera bassist Rex Brown and latter-day Rainbow singer Ronnie Romero. Due to other commitments, Travis and Brown are unavailable for upcoming live dates with Elegant Weapons, so filling in are Uriah Heep bassist Davey Rimmer and Accept drummer Christopher Williams.

Here, Richie explains why one “classic” amp and a guitar that can “cover all the bases” is all he needs…

Who are the biggest influences that have seeped into your playing with Elegant Weapons?