This interview was a team effort for us at D-Day’s Revenge. Sixgunsloaded worked secure the Interview with Tim “Ripper” Owens. Then, we all brainstormed some questions, plus a famous multiple choice scenario from D-Day. The results of the questions are below, for your pleasure. He was direct, funny, and bluntly honest regarding some of the tougher questions. I would expect no less. So, read on for more on Beyond Fear, Ripper’s new band, Jayne Andrews, favorite singers, and to blow your mind, an “accident” of some sort on stage some ten years ago. All I know is, I bet Ripper does an amazing rendition of “Outshined” by Soundgarden.
Krista: What was the first song you sang, where you just knew you were a great vocalist?
TIM: I would say VICTIM OF CHANGES, It was just real easy and I new it wasn't supposed to be that easy.
Krista: What tape or CD was your soundtrack when you were in high school? That one piece of music that changed your world, and knew backwards and forwards?
TIM: I would say Screaming for Vengeance, I loved it, I don't remember the lyrics now, but it was a fun time.
Krista: You were in a cover band. What were your favorite songs to perform when you did that?
TIM: Savatage, Anthrax, King Diamond. That was fun stuff, I loved doing Sound Garden also, He is a bad ass singer.
Krista: Many fans always wondered about a follow up to Winters Bane’s [Edited for my stupidity: I misnamed the band, K.G.] first release, Heart of a Killer. Why wasn't a second effort recorded?
TIM: [Edited slightly for the above reason, K.G] It just wasn't meant to be...I think if a Label wanted to fork out some cash, We could get together and make a great metal CD, but I don't think it will happen.
Krista: You've definitely paid your dues so to speak in
metal while being in Judas Priest. Tough and fortunate
situation to find yourself in, but you won fans over,
and many admitted you did some songs better than
Halford himself. How hard was it to perform those
songs in a live setting, trying to win the fans over,
and to prove yourself? Or did you even feel the
need to prove yourself?
TIM: I proved it..I think some of them will be classics.
I loved it and it was pretty easy, really! I loved singing
them higher and with my own touch and holding high
notes in the songs like they where never held! But Rob
is the God and in my time he was just amazing.
Krista: You handled yourself with great dignity after being dismissed from Judas Priest. You were funny, honest, and never bitter. Was that difficult, or is that just how your personality is?
TIM: It was pretty easy, I new it was coming and it had to happen. I love those guy's and I'm happy for them! But things on my end are just great. The Glorious Burden had the best vocals I've ever done and now I'm doing Beyond Fear!
Krista: Do you ever miss being in Judas Priest? Any old nostalgia hit you once in awhile?
TIM: Sometimes, yes...We had a lot of good times. But at least I'm doing my own thing now.
Krista: This is what you said about Angel of Retribution, "but overall, I think it is a good CD, for a 2005 hard rock album. I would give it an 8 out of 10!" You view AOR as a hard rock album, versus a metal album. Why's that?
TIM: Well it has a few metal tunes on it...but I think the over all CD is a hard rock, but I think JP was always a Hard rock/metal band...I really think the Metal came from a few songs and the stage clothes. But I think they are more HARD ROCK/Metal band combined...and that is a great thing.
Krista: How was working with Jon Schaffer while doing the
Glorious Burden? When do you anticipate doing more
Iced Earth Material?
TIM: Jon is just a great guy and friend, We had a real
good time together, and we hope to be working on
something real soon.
Krista: Again, big shoes to fill after Matt Barlows heart wasn't into Iced Earth any longer. But you did hear the Glorious Burden with Matt singing, what did you think of what he laid down?
TIM: I thought it was cool, but Jon and Matt just wasn't happy with it…. PASSION.
Krista: Many fans felt that your vocal performance was the best part of The Glorious Burden. Which song would be the one you're most proud of from that release?
TIM: In my opinion it was the best I E cd I've heard...I liked Gettysburg, It was amazing. So much depth.
Krista: You've got a solo gig going. Many fans feel this is exactly what you deserve, not to taking over vocals from another vocalist. Something fresh, and suited to your style. Tell us about Beyond Fear......
TIM: It has been a lot of fun doing it. I really hope to get the deal signed and get out there real soon.
Krista: Borijov at Blabbermouth has heard your demo. This is what he says, " Traces of JUDAS PRIEST, PANTERA and BLACK SABBATH are all present along with a healthy dose of double-bass drumming, which adds a modern edge to what is essentially a traditional metal approach." How accurate is that assessment for Beyond Fear's sound?
TIM: I think it is real accurate...It really has everything but it is good old rockin’ metal that you can sing to.
Krista: Will you be posting any song samples for the Beyond Fear Demo, so the rest of us can have a listen?
TIM: Not until it is at that stage, but I will then.
Krista: Tell us about how you got together with your band mates for Beyond Fear?
TIM: Just local musicians. Right now Dennis Hayes from 7 witches/Winters bane is on Bass...and John Comprix/ 13 faces/Spawn on guitar. Friends and great musicians ...also right now I have Dwane Bihry [Spelling might be incorrect, K.G.] on guitar and Erik Elkins on drums /Criptkicker.
Krista: Has Beyond Fear gone into full writing mode yet? Or are you waiting for label support before you go really start swinging?
TIM: Everything is pretty much written, but we practice and get better all the time...I hope to get to some festivals this year.
Krista: Do you anticipate "Beyond Fear" to be the final name for your new project? I always liked "Driving music for the Blind." That's just me!
TIM: No, BEYOND FEAR IS IT.
Krista: What about touring behind your new project....what tour package do you feel would be ideal for the band?
TIM: I hope to tour..I will support it 100%..; and whatever package the label and promoters want to put together.
Let's get into
some lighter
questions........
Krista: So you're finally doing the solo thing. What other person ( or people) in metal do you think should do the same thing?
TIM: I don't care really, I think everybody has.
Krista: If you could do a duet of any kind, who'd you like to do it with?
TIM: DIO.
Krista: Who's your favorite vocalist, and or lyricist?
TIM: Ronnie Dio, Halford and Chris Cornell.
Krista: What's your favorite festival performance, and why?
TIM: WOW..I really like them all...The fans are just great.
Krista: How did you get the nickname "Ripper"?
TIM: I sang "The Ripper" at the Judas Priest audition and they just started calling me that.
Krista: Tell us your favorite or most embarrassing road story....
TIM: I don't really have any...I did a gig with a local band about 10 years ago and shit my pants on stage (high note) I ran home and showered between sets.
D-Day: One of our famous multiple choice questions. Considering the exploding popularity of reality television, let's say that you are invited to be on a new show called "Fear Factor For Rock Stars". As a twist, you get to pick which stunt you perform. Of the following, which of these would you do:
A) Play a show to a crowd of militant-vegans while wearing nothing but strategically placed slabs of raw beef.
B) You are front row center at a Great Kat concert and between each song yell, "Chicks can't play guitar!!"
C) Halfway through a Slayer concert, after the crowd is good and pumped, you are invited to the stage to perform a song. You then start singing the Debbie Boone classic "You Light Up My Life".
TIM: I pick C, just to be on stage with SLAYER...we will do it Slayer style.
Krista: You're considered one the top rated singers out there, and most music lovers totally respect you. Who would be your top ten singers that YOU respect and enjoy?
TIM: Dickinson, Halford, Dio, Cornell, John bush, And a ton more.
Krista: The tough question. Jon Schaffer has been considered to be very difficult to work with by some. Repeatedly, and at times Iced Earth seems to be just a revolving door with firings and others leaving. What is your bottom line impression of Jon Schaffer, and do you feel what I've said to be a false impression of him?
TIM: Jon is great. If you left the band, you left for a reason, you either had a new gig or you suck. He is easy to deal with if you are a professional. He speaks his mind and that’s good.
Krista: One more tough question. That damn Jayne Andrews! Time after time, she's putting out press releases -- "No, Rob Halford is not rejoining Judas Priest. I don't know where these rumors keep coming from, and I have to squash them!!!" Now, I know she as a job to do, but she is thee most irritating person. I'm going into very unprofessional mode, I simple can't stand her, and would like to put some duct tape across her lips, and tie her hands behind her back so she can't type. Having said all that, Jayne Andrews. How much of a pest do you think she is?
TIM: If she is, she is for a reason, really she does everything for that band. She is the real manager there, she works her ass off. She loves the guy's and maybe will take things personal sometimes, but that a good thing to have in your camp.
Krista: Name a few of your all time favorite metal albums, and why you rate them so highly?
TIM: Screaming because it got me screaming, Jugulator, because it got me screaming! Bad Motofinger because it was new and old at the same time.
Krista: Funny Quote about your son watching Judas Priest Live in London DVD, or "The Reckoning" video. "Oh, he watches that shit, too. I get up in the morning and put Sesame Street on, but he could give two shits, he’s six months old. Loud music, he’s turn his head, but Elmo he’s like, "Whatever." He doesn’t do much different than I do. He wants to sit around, shit his pants, and not do anything. I mean, that’s what I do all day." Is this true???
TIM: Well kinda, he now loves the Priest DVD and watch's it and Headbangs...it's great, He is almost 2 and he has a 16 year old sister and a new month old one....but he is a real headbanger.
Krista: Well Tim, it's been an honor and a pleasure. Any last things you'd like to plug, refute any internet rumors, or last words?
TIM: I will have new BEYOND FEAR T shirts for sell...check on www.timripperowens.com and look for beyond fear soon.
THANKS A MILLION, AND KEEP IT HEAVY.
TIM
4/28/05
