Metal Vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens: KK’s Priest is first and foremost!”
Metal vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens kicks off his Australian tour this week, armed with a setlist spanning his illustrious career and backed by a top-shelf selection of Australian metal musicians.
Owens, who is best known for his time fronting Judas Priest, maintains a busy schedule with KK’s Priest – his collaboration with original Judas Priest guitarist KK Downing. “The past two years, it’s been totally KK’s Priest – that comes precedent to everything, really, KK’s Priest is first and foremost, the main thing,” he explains.
About this latest solo tour, “The setlist is a mix of my-era Judas Priest, some classic Judas Priest, Iced Earth, Beyond Fear, and KK’s Priest.”, says Owens while talking up his Australian backing band, particularly drummer Jordan McDonald. “Jordan is like a Muppet behind the drum kit”, he laughs. “They’re all so good. The fans are really gonna like it.”
Today, his solo career spans continents. “I leave, I go home from here to Central America. Then I go home for a few weeks, then I go to South America, and then I got Spain coming up, and Italy,” he says. His connection to Australia has deepened – his girlfriend lives here, so Australian shows are a natural fit. “We did two last year, last minute, probably about three weeks notice. The shows were so successful that I said, let’s do it again. Hit some other markets, make it better.”
Reflecting on his career highlights, Owens speaks matter-of-factly: “Obviously, making Judas Priest, I don’t think anything can trump that, right? Because I didn’t plan on being a musician.” However, his current work with KK’s Priest brings equal enthusiasm. “The records are so good, and vocally, I was singing as good as I ever had.”
As he prepares for Sydney rehearsals, Owens’ confidence in his Australian backing band is evident as he admits with a laugh.. “These guys are so good together, and I haven’t practiced in a while, so I’m more worried about me at rehearsals than the band!”
Tim “Ripper” Owens starts his Australian tour in Melbourne on February 14.
AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES:
FRI 14 FEB – MELBOURNE – THE CORNER
THUR 20 FEB – SYDNEY – CROWBAR
SAT 22 FEB – BRISBANE – CROWBAR
SUN 23 FEB – ADELAIDE – THE GOV
MON 24 FEB – PERTH – AMPLIFIER