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TIM 'RIPPER' OWENS: I Knew JUDAS PRIEST Gig 'Was Made For Me'

November 11, 2011

Dan Kane of CantonRep.com recently conducted an interview with powerhouse American vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (DIO DISCIPLES, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

CantonRep.com: What knowledge did you glean from your stint with JUDAS PRIEST?

Owens: How to drive a car in England... No, really, I just learned to be myself, not some L.A. rock star. Be good to the fans and all will be good.

CantonRep.com: How scary was it hitting the stage in Rob Halford's spot on your first PRIEST tour?

Owens: I wasn't really that scared. I knew it was made for me, I could be myself and it fit the bill. As long as I sang like I could, I would be fine. All I wanted was to make myself happy, because I am a (JUDAS PRIEST) fan, and I know what I want as a fan.

CantonRep.com: Were you well accepted by the PRIEST fans?

Owens: I think when the fans heard (the album) "Jugulator", they knew JUDAS PRIEST had a singer that could do it. But I think I sold most (of) them on the live shows. As K.K. (Downing, former guitarist) always said about me, proof is in the pudding! But in the end, Rob needed to come back, and I needed to spread my wings, and, I gotta say, it has really worked out for both of us.

CantonRep.com: What was your favorite song of JUDAS PRIEST's to sing live?

Owens: "Bloodstained" was always great, "Victim of Changes" was as well! I loved all of them. I really enjoyed the ones from my era. It meant a lot to me and they challenged my vocals a bit more!

CantonRep.com: Did you become known as Ripper when you joined JUDAS PRIEST, or was that your nickname already?

Owens: Yes, when I joined. Before that, I was the Flipper because I swam with dolphins. Okay, kidding on that! I sang the song "Ripper" when I auditioned and bam, I became Ripper Owens, and I love it.

Read the entire interview from CantonRep.com.

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