In a new interview with Thomas S.

Orwat, Jr., JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Richie Faulkner weighed in on the topic of bands continuing to tour without their original members.

When asked if he'd be interested in keeping PRIEST alive if Halford, Hill, and Tipton decided to stop participating, Faulkner said, "I don't know.

Maybe not." He emphasized that the classic lineup has built a legacy over five decades, and if they were gone, it should be respected.

However, he noted that some fans may disagree with this perspective.

Faulkner also discussed the issue of long-running bands touring without their full classic lineup, stating that as long as the remaining members want to do it, they should go for it.

He acknowledged that attendance figures can indicate interest, and even suggested that if a band like RUSH is drawing thousands, there's no reason not to continue.

Faulkner also mentioned his own history with PRIEST, recalling when he replaced K.K Downing in 2011 and later joined the "Epitaph" farewell tour after it started without him.

He reflected on the band's evolution over time, particularly with Tipton sitting out touring activities since his Parkinson's diagnosis over 15 years ago, during which period Sneap took his place.

Faulkner also mentioned Travis's audition and recruitment to PRIEST in 1989.

Faulkner closed by acknowledging that some fans may not want to see the band without their full classic lineup, but he believes as long as people are showing up to shows, it's worth continuing.

He ended with a nod to the fact that some fans have criticized bands like RUSH for touring without their original members, and expressed his own thoughts on the matter.

It's worth noting that Faulkner's comments come amidst the ongoing discussion surrounding long-running bands continuing to tour despite the absence of one or more of their classic lineup members.

The conversation continues to be a point of debate among fans and band members alike.