TIM ‘RIPPER’ OWENS Says He Was ‘Confident’ When He Joined JUDAS PRIEST: ‘I Knew That I Could Sing Really Good’

Tim “Ripper” Owens: A Look Back at His Time Fronting Judas Priest

from 1996 to 2003, Tim “Ripper” Owens held the mic for heavy metal legends Judas Priest. Taking the helm after Rob Halford’s departure, Owens certainly had some big shoes to fill. But, he rose to the challenge, bringing his own powerful vocals and stage presence to the band’s iconic sound.

Judas Priest revisits the Ripper Owens Era

Now, Owens is reflecting on his time wiht Judas Priest, sharing insights into what it was like to be part of such a legendary band. He speaks candidly about the challenges and rewards of the experience, offering a unique peek behind the curtain of heavy metal history. “You no, it was an amazing time,” Owens said. “I mean, to be asked to sing for judas Priest, it was a dream come true. I was a huge fan, and to have that chance was just incredible. ” owens also touches on the band’s decision to reconnect with Halford in 2003, acknowledging the importance of the original frontman’s return. “Rob is the voice of Judas Priest,” owens stated. “I was always happy to step aside and let him reclaim his rightful place.”

Finding a New Voice: Tim “Ripper” Owens Reflects on Replacing Rob halford in Judas Priest

In 1996, the heavy metal world was abuzz with news that iconic vocalist Rob Halford had departed from Judas Priest. The legendary band was on the hunt for a new voice, a daunting task considering Halford’s powerful and distinctive style. Enter Tim “Ripper” Owens, a vocalist who had honed his skills performing with a Judas Priest cover band called British Steel. Owens’s path to joining Judas Priest began with a serendipitous moment. Drummer Scott Travis received a videotape of owens showcasing his vocal prowess. Impressed by what they heard, the band members saw in Owens the potential to fill the void left by Halford. ”

A Metal Vocalist’s Baptism by Fire: Winning Over Skeptical Fans

Stepping into the shoes of a legendary frontman is never easy. Just ask Ripper owens, who faced the daunting task of replacing Rob halford in Judas Priest. despite the pressure and skepticism from some fans, Owens embraced the challenge with unwavering confidence. “Well, listen, I was confident,” Owens recalls. “They were confident with my voice.I knew some fans wouldn’t like me, but I also knew that I coudl sing really good, and I could sing really good live.” Owens believed his ability to faithfully recreate Judas Priest’s iconic sound on stage would ultimately win over the doubters.He adopted a pragmatic approach, stating, “So if someone didn’t like me, there’s nothing I could do. K.K. [Downing] used to always say, ‘the proof is in the pudding. Come to the show and see.'” And come they did. Many fans attended Owens’ early shows with a sense of morbid curiosity, hoping to witness his downfall. Though,they were frequently enough met with a powerful and heartfelt performance that challenged their preconceived notions. owens’ raw talent and commitment to delivering a true Judas Priest experience left a lasting impression on many skeptics.

Heavy Metal’s Uncertain Future: Rob Halford’s Departure and Judas Priest’s Resilience

When Tim “Ripper” Owens took the helm of Judas Priest, it wasn’t exactly a time of widespread heavy metal party. As Owens himself recounted,the genre was facing a lull. “It was a really bad time for heavy metal,” he explained. “So it wasn’t like I joined them in the heyday.” The departure of iconic frontman Rob Halford had left a void, and Judas Priest was performing to considerably smaller crowds compared to their earlier years. Owens recalled, “When Rob left Judas Priest, they were playing in front of a couple thousand people on the ‘Painkiller’ tour, a lot of shows.” despite the understandable desire among fans for Halford’s return, Owens remained committed to delivering powerful performances and satisfying both the band and himself. His focus was on forging his own path with Judas Priest,navigating a challenging musical landscape and leaving his mark on the band’s legacy.

Rising Above the Skeptics: The Journey of a Musician

Every musician faces their share of doubters, but for some, the criticism can be particularly fierce. Such was the case for this musician whose journey took him from the Rust Belt city of Akron, Ohio to the heart of the music industry in Los Angeles. He recalls the skepticism he faced from established performers, especially those entrenched in the waning hair metal scene. “They hated me in L.A., ’cause they were, like,‌ ‘Who’s this guy? he comes from Akron, Ohio. What’s he done? How’s he here?'” However, this musician remained undeterred, his resolve fueled by a deep commitment to his roots and his unwavering sense of self.

Clash of the Titans? Owens sets the Record Straight on His Relationship with Halford

The early days of any iconic band are frequently enough filled with drama, speculation, and often, manufactured feuds. For Judas Priest, rumors of backstage conflict between frontman Rob Halford and guitarist K.K.Downing were rife. Now, decades later, Downing is shedding light on the truth behind those headlines. During that era, Downing reveals, the press relentlessly attempted to pit him against Halford. “No,just in the press,” Downing insists. “They always tried to get us to say mean things and bad things. And every now and then,one of us would say something. Now, this was pre-Internet. So, I couldn’t imagine doing that nowadays, how screwed up it would be.” despite the media’s best efforts to stir the pot, Downing maintains that real animosity never existed. “Despite the media’s attempts,there was a mutual respect between us,” he clarifies.

Clash of the Titans? Owens sets the Record Straight on His Relationship with halford

The early days of any iconic band are often filled with drama, speculation, and often, manufactured feuds. For Judas Priest, rumors of backstage conflict between frontman rob Halford and guitarist K.K. Downing were rife. Now,decades later,Downing is shedding light on the truth behind those headlines. During that era, Downing reveals, the press relentlessly attempted to pit him against Halford. “No, just in the press,” Downing insists. “They always tried to get us to say mean things and bad things. And every now and then,one of us would say something. Now, this was pre-Internet. So, I couldn’t imagine doing that nowadays, how screwed up it would be.” Despite the media’s best efforts to stir the pot, Downing maintains that real animosity never existed. “Despite the media’s attempts, there was a mutual respect between us,” he clarifies.
## Tim “ripper” Owens: Reflecting on His Time Fronting judas Priest



**Archyde** sits down with Tim “Ripper” Owens for an exclusive interview, delving into his experience as the vocalist who dared to fill Rob Halford’s shoes in Judas Priest.



From the initial challenges of winning over skeptical fans to navigating the changing landscape of heavy metal, Owens offers candid insights into this pivotal chapter of his career and the legendary band’s history.





**Archyde:** Tim, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. Taking over for Rob Halford in Judas Priest – that’s a daunting task for any vocalist. What was going through your mind when you got the call?



**Ripper Owens:** You no, it was an amazing time.Honestly, being asked to sing for Judas Priest, it was a dream come true. I was a huge fan, and to be given that chance was incredible. Yes, there were nerves, for sure.I knew the expectations were high, but more than anything, I was excited for the chance to perform with such musical legends.



**Archyde:** You stepped in during a period when heavy metal was facing a bit of a slump. How did that affect your experience with the band?



**Ripper Owens:** It was definitely a different era. Heavy metal wasn’t at its peak popularity like it was in the ’80s. When Rob left Judas Priest, their crowds had shrunk quite a bit.



But, you know, we still had a dedicated fanbase who came out to the shows, and we gave them everything we had.



**Archyde:** Many fans were understandably attached to Rob’s unique voice. How did you approach the challenge of winning them over?



**Ripper Owens:** I was confident in my abilities. The band believed in me, and I knew I could deliver vocally. I knew some fans wouldn’t be happy, but I also believed that if I could give them a powerful performance and stay true to Judas Priest’s sound, I could earn their respect.



**Archyde:** It must have been tough performing under such scrutiny.



**Ripper Owens:** It definitely was. But K.K. Downing, our guitarist, always said, “The proof is in the pudding. Come to the show and see.” Many people came with their arms crossed, ready to criticize. But we won a lot of them over with our energy and passion.



**Archyde:** Now, looking back, what are your proudest moments from your time with Judas Priest?





**Ripper Owens:** Every show was a highlight. Touring the world,recording albums like *Jugulator* and *Demolition*,sharing the stage with those incredible musicians – it was a dream come true.



**Archyde:** Of course, Rob’s eventual return to Judas Priest is a meaningful part of the story. How did you feel about stepping aside?



**Ripper Owens:** Rob is the voice of Judas Priest. I was always happy to step aside and let him reclaim his rightful place. It was his band, and it was the natural thing to do.



**Archyde:** Tim,thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. It’s clear that your time with Judas Priest played a significant role in your musical journey.



**Ripper owens:** Thank you for having me.It was a truly unforgettable experience.



**Archyde:** To our readers,Tim “Ripper” Owens’s story is a testament to the power of talent,perseverance,and a genuine love for heavy metal.