Tim Ripper Owens

Timothy S. Owens, known professionally as Tim ”Ripper” Owens, was born on September 13, 1967, in Akron, Ohio. He started his musical journey as the vocalist for the thrash metal band Brainicide, recording three demo tapes before the group disbanded in 1989. Prior to his significant career breakthrough, Owens also fronted Winter’s Bane, releasing the album “Heart of a Killer” in 1993. His early career also included performing in British Steel, a Judas Priest tribute band, where he gained initial recognition for his vocal abilities. This foundation in diverse metal subgenres prepared him for a prominent role in the heavy metal scene.

Owens gained widespread attention in 1996 when he became the lead singer for the iconic heavy metal band Judas Priest, succeeding Rob Halford. During his tenure with Judas Priest, he recorded two studio albums, “Jugulator” (1997) and “Demolition” (2001), as well as two live albums and a DVD release. He also co-wrote the song “What’s My Name?” for the “Demolition” album. In 1999, he received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Metal Performance for the song “Bullet Train” from “Jugulator.” Following his departure from Judas Priest in 2003, Owens joined Iced Earth, where he recorded “The Glorious Burden” (2004), “Overture of the Wicked” (EP) (2007), and “Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Part 1)” (2007).

His career continued to evolve with various high-profile collaborations and projects. In 2008, he became the lead singer for Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force, contributing to the albums “Perpetual Flame” (2008) and “Relentless” (2010). Owens released his first solo album, “Play My Game,” in 2009, featuring notable musicians like David Ellefson, Simon Wright, and Bruce Kulick. He co-founded Charred Walls of the Damned in 2009 with Richard Christy, releasing several albums. Owens is also a member of Dio Disciples and KK’s Priest, the latter formed with former Judas Priest member K.K. Downing, releasing “Sermons of the Sinner” (2021) and “The Sinner Rides Again” (2023). His entrepreneurial ventures included owning “Ripper’s Rock House” and “Ripper Owens Tap House” in Akron, Ohio, diversifying his career beyond music performance.