Former JUDAS PRIEST singer Tim “Ripper” Owens is “shocked” that he didn’t receive a phonecall from JUDAS PRIEST regarding the band’s induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
Speaking with Robert Cavuoto of MyGlobalMind, ex-JUDAS PRIEST vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens was asked if there was ever any consideration to have him come up on stage and perform with his former bandmates during their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame last November. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “I don’t know. They never called me, thanked me. The only time JUDAS PRIEST calls me is to say they’re gonna sue me or something. But no one reached out. I’m glad Ken [original PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing] went in.
“I’m happy for K.K. Yeah, I was just shocked that I didn’t even get a mention, a call from the band. [I was in the band for] almost 10 years and [we got] a Grammy nomination [during my time with the band] and all that. I would’ve liked to have heard a ‘thank you’ or maybe on stage a ‘thank you’, but it’s not shocking. And that’s what happens.”
Owens continued: “They erased my part of the JUDAS PRIEST history, so it’s not shocking. It is really great for Ken, other than after it was all said and done, the management threw him under the bus and said bad things about him in the press. But Ken had nothing but great things to say about it. He said he had a blast, and it was great seeing the guys.
“And I like Ken‘s perspective on it. When we talked about it, he said how great it was, and I’m just really happy for him. I’m happy for all the guys. I love ’em to death, and Glenn [Tipton] and Ian [Hill] and Scott [Travis] and Rob [Halford]. [It’s] well deserved.”
Tim added: “I love the fact that even though I’ve been erased, I still call ’em friends and family, including Rob. I love, whenever I see Rob somewhere and we talk, and I love watching him and I love that his voice is sounding so great again. It’s a shame that I’ve been erased, but it doesn’t change the fact that I love the guys and it was a great time.”
Owens became a member of PRIEST back in 1996, a discovery that unfolded when the band’s drummer received a videotape showcasing Owens‘ performance with the PRIEST tribute band known as BRITISH STEEL. During this period, JUDAS PRIEST was actively seeking a replacement for Rob Halford, who eventually reunited with the band.
Within his tenure, Owens contributed to the creation of two studio albums alongside JUDAS PRIEST — specifically, “Jugulator” in 1997 and “Demolition” in 2001. Subsequently, Halford reentered the fold, marking Owens‘ departure from the group.
In recognition of their musical legacy, PRIEST was honored with the Musical Excellence Award at the 2022 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony. This event celebrated notable figures in the Performers category, including Eminem, Dolly Parton, DURAN DURAN, Lionel Richie, Pat Benatar, EURYTHMICS, and Carly Simon.
Owens and Downing presently form part of KK’S PRIEST, a lineup that also includes guitarist A.J. Mills from HOSTILE, bassist Tony Newton from VOODOO SIX, and drummer Sean Elg from DEATHRIDERS and CAGE.
The forthcoming release from KK’S PRIEST, titled “The Sinner Rides Again,” is scheduled to debut on September 29 through the esteemed rock and metal entity, Napalm Records. Consisting of nine tracks, the album has been crafted and produced by Downing, with mixing and mastering responsibilities entrusted to Jacob Hansen.