Richard Ian Faulkner (born January 1, 1980) is the current guitarist of the heavy metal band Judas Priest. He has worked with Lauren Harris' band in the past. Faulkner is the successor of K.K. Downing. His first performance with the band was on May 25, 2011 on American Idol with James Durbin, performing Living After Midnight and Breaking the Law. He will feature on Judas Priest's upcoming album in 2012