Jimmy Kay from Canada’s The Metal Voice Spoke to KK’s Priest (former Judas Priest) singer Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens on Jan 24, 2024 at the 7th annual Metal Hall of Fame Gala in Anaheim California.
Ripper spoke about his recent induction into The Metal Hall of Fame, upcoming tour with KK’s Priest as well as his time in Judas Priest.
Canada’s The Metal Voice recently interviewed KK’s Priest singer Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens about the band’s upcoming album ‘ The Sinner Rides Again‘ which will be released on Sept 29, 2023 via Napalm Records.
When asked about the feedback from fans in regards to the first few live shows with KK’s Priest
“It’s been unbelievable. I think if anyone has read the reviews or seen anything on it, it’s been incredible. I read someone’s review saying they were shocked at how good it was. I think what they are shocked at is that we have a pretty big production, pyro and the screens. It’s a great show and it’s a costly show. We have been on fire and we have been having a lot of fun.”
When asked about challenges of singing the current set list
“The classic Priest songs have always been easier to sing than my own (Judas Priest Era) so it’s kind of funny. Even KK’s Priest songs are much more difficult songs in the set list to sing than the classic Priest songs. In the past five years I have said in interviews I wasn’t singing as great but the past year, I’ve gotten it back, full on all of a sudden, it’s been pretty good.”
When asked about including more Ripper era songs in the KK’s priest setlist
“We wanted to do that right out of the gate but the problem was, we were doing festivals and not our own shows. So you have to make a set list that is kind of adaptable to everybody. I think eventually when we start touring and doing our own shows what is going to happen, I hope. We add one or two more of my era (Judas Priest songs). ‘One on One’ and or ‘Burn in Hell’ has to be in our set list. It would be nice to also do ‘Cathedral Spires’ because that is the one (song) that fans are asking the most. But I think we are obviously going to be adding more KK’s Priest songs. We have 6 songs now in KK’s Priest (set list) and we will be releasing two new videos soon. So we will be adding two more in and probably add another one from the first record and another one from the new record. There is no doubt people want to hear (Ripper Judas Priest Era songs), Judas Priest ignores them (songs) and acts like I was never in the band. Which is fine because it makes my solo touring and KK’s Priest all that more exciting for people because at least they can go hear them (Ripper era Songs). “
When asked what do you say to people who call KK’s Priest a tribute band
“Well it makes no sense, it’s the stupidest comment. I have to be honest since we have been playing live I hardly ever see these types of comments much anymore because now the proof is in the pudding. We are not talking about the sharpest tools in the shed, the people on the internet. People just get on the internet to say things that make no sense whatsoever or they actually give you career advice. I don’t mind if people don’t like us but when they don’t like us and say a tribute band? K.K. (Downing) is the co-founding member of Judas Priest. I was in Judas Priest. Half the set now is our own songs and soon 3/4 of the set is going to be our own songs. It makes no sense.”
When asked to compare KK’s Priest last album to the new album ‘The Sinner Rides Again’
“I think the songs sound more cohesive. Even with all the musical changes in the songs, it all runs great and sounds better. The first record was exactly what we needed, a little more old school, the sound was more old school, everything about it was a classic sound. This one has a little more punch to it, more aggressiveness, the sound is unbelievably good. You can just tell that now we have moved into something even better. I think this new album is a progression and I just love it.”
“The Sinner Rides Again” track listing:
K.K. Downing-(Guitars)
Tim “Ripper” Owens (vocals)
A.J. Mills guitarist (Guitars)
Tony Newton (Bass)
Sean Elg (Drums)
HELD HOSTAGE with special guest vocalist Tim Ripper Owens brings the “HEAT” with their Billboard hit (18 weeks on Billboard charts and counting) song You Rock Our Way. You Rock Our Way is all about doing what you love and not being afraid to bring the rock that is deep down inside all of us. This epic song has changed the course of Held Hostage and opened them up to a whole new world of fans. GET READY to ROCK OUR WAY.
Held Hostage is targeting Memorial Day to release the band’s first live album. Following that, Held Hostage is planning on releasing their next studio record this Fall of 2023. It will be a full-length record 12 songs total. It will be called Held Hostage Rescue Me.
Tom Collier, lead guitarist, on playing at the Metal Hall of Fame, “Playing the Metal Hall of Fame and watching such incredible bands/players such as Twisted Sister, Lou Gramm, Raven, Chris Impelliteri, and Doug Aldrich be inducted after we played live, was such an honor for us. I couldn’t be prouder of the guy’s Scott Gregg, Ian Evans, Dave Carroll and Guest Vocalist Bill Ali for incredible job they did preforming at The Metal Hall Of Fame Gala with Held Hostage. Held Hostage was part of what can only be described as Rock and Roll History.”
The Metal Hall of Fame said this about Held Hostage, “The first performance of the night was the venerable Held Hostage band, who brought a hard-hitting American Traditional Metal set of originals. They stepped into a difficult spot, but proved that they belonged.”
While at the Metal Hall of Fame Held Hostage founder Tom Collier was offered a full endorsement by Viper Guitars.
Held Hostage will be headlining this year’s Spring Fest, April 1 2023, at Collocas Event Center Fair Haven NY.
Last year Held Hostage released their brand new album “Great American Rock” on FireRock Music Group. The album is described as “American rock and roll at the purest form” by Cry Wolf Magazine. Tim “Ripper” Owens and Joe Lynn Turner provide guest vocals on the album. The album can be purchased and streamed at: https://lnk.to/GreatAmericanRock and at the retailers such as Target, Walmart, Barnes & Nobles and your local record stores.
About Held Hostage
Held Hostage has toured as and been direct support act with many great bands including Metal Allegiance, Quiet Riot, Molly Hatchet, The Rods, Uli Jon Roth, Eddie Money, Benny Mardones, Manowar, Ross The Boss Band etc. Held Hostage is currently endorsed by many great products including SIT Strings, Rev Amps, Prestige Guitars, Barefoot Buttons, Clayton Custom Picks, Kick Lidz Drums, ProPlayer Art, Intune Guitar Picks, Guitar Gifts 4u, Big Bends, Best Tronics, Mental Case, Neat Audio, WBGear. The bands unique blend of screaming guitars, thundering kick ass drums, raging bass and uninhibited vocals will stay true to form. Held Hostage is ready and able to take their place in Rock and Roll history.
Held Hostage is:
Tom Collier – lead guitar/lead vocals
Scott Gregg – rhythm guitarist/backup vocals
Jeff Murray – drums
Dave Carrol – bass /backup vocals
More information at
http://www.heldhostageband.com
http://www.facebook.com/heldhostageband
http://www.instagram.com/heldhostageband
http://www.twitter.com/heldhostageband
Jimmy Kay and Alan Dixon recently spoke to Tim Ripper Owens (KK’s Priest, Judas Priest) about his KK’s Priest upcoming tour and new studio album as well as his new E.P. Return to Death Row, which was produced by Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED) and Nick Bellmore (JASTA, DEE SNIDER), released on Dec 9, 2022.
When asked about his new E.P. Return to Death Row
“Jamey Jasta did those Dee Snider records and I said those are fantastic, those Dee Snider records were so good. I love Dee, I loved Twisted Sister in the 80’s. So I did his podcast (Jamey Jasta) probably to promote the KK’s Priest record and he said ok 25 year of Jugulator is coming up and he started sending me ideas. This record is great and it came together so fast like vocally I just sang these songs and flew through it. It’s heavy but it’s still melodic. I think with this E.P. we wanted to come out of the gate pretty brutal.”
When asked about the next studio album of 10 songs
“I am excited to work on the next ten songs. Those guys are writing songs now ( Jamey Jasta, Nick Bellmore Drum, Charlie Bellmore Guitars) I know for a fact they have songs written already. “
When asked if he finished his vocals for the new KK’s Priest studio album
“I just finished the last one (vocal) a couple of days ago. I’m sure I will have to go back and re-do a few things, maybe add some parts to them…”
When asked what stage they are at completing the new KK’s Priest album
“It’s really close now. It’s in the mixing process I think, producing and moving some stuff around. I actually really like it. It’s next level from the last one (Sermons of the Sinner). I think the last one was the perfect record. This next one though I think it’s that and beyond. I think vocally, it’s a little heavier, it’s got tons of highs still but it’s got edgier vocals. It’s got some melodic beautiful vocals but it’s just edgier I think. I enjoyed doing this one a lot.”
When asked about the touring plans for KK’s Priest
“Next year is going to be pretty swamped cause KK’s Priest is now finally going to put this record out and tour. The plan is just to tour non stop for a year or two. The plan is to hit the road, I don’t think (KK downing) wants to do just festivals. Hopefully it all comes together.”
Return to Death Row E.P.
Chris Taylor Bass
Nick Bellmore Drums Dee Snider
Charlie Bellmore Guitars
Tim “Ripper” Owens Vocals
KK’S PRIEST’s debut album, “Sermons Of The Sinner”, was released in October 2021 via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records.
On July 26th. – 30th., 2022, Eastern Kentucky was annihilated by historic floods. On October 29, 2022 at 7PM Eastern At the Hal Rogers Forum located in Hazard, Kentucky HELD HOSTAGE, along with special guest vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens will be performing at Operation Appalachian Kids (For Children Affected By The Eastern Kentucky Floods). Many children and their families were displaced and lost everything in this horrific disaster. Blastzone Mike & Joseph Hedge both lifelong residents of Eastern Kentucky witnessed the tragic devastation first hand. They decided to do something about this to help the children of eastern Kentucky and organized this benefit concert. They will be using all profits after expenses to do a huge Christmas party with gifts, stockings, and food for the kids of the floods of 2022.
Tickets can be purchase at this location.
Blastzone Mike a well-known podcaster (Blastzone Mike’s Incredible Show on YouTube and ROKU) from Eastern Kentucky interviewed Tom Collier from the Rock Band Held Hostage. The two instantly bonded as friends and kept in touch. When Blastzone Mike reached out to Tom, because, he knew the history of Tom and his band Held Hostage dubbed “Americas Band”, had for helping people in need. Held Hostage over the years has raised over a million dollars to help families in need, veterans, people who lost their homes. Tom immediately said yes. The new Held Hostage record Great American Rock has been on the Billboard BDS main stream rock charts for over 12 weeks and counting. The album featured Tim Ripper Owens as special guest vocalist. Ripper Owens storybook life from cover band/full time sales man to singing for Judas Priest one of the premiere metal bands in the world became the inspiration for movie Rock Star, starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Anniston based loosely on the true life story of Tim Ripper Owens. Ripper has agreed to come and be the guest singer with National recording artist Held Hostage to help the children. Ripper Owens who is touring the world will be doing a one time show in Eastern Kentucky to help raise monies for the children.
Held Hostage recently released their new video for the song “RISE (stop suicide of all ages) with Special Guests Vocalist Tim Ripper Owens”. This video is very important to Tom Collier, “Rise is very near and dear to my heart. The story behind Rise is Held Hostage has had a few former members commit suicide. I think everyone in this world has been affected by suicide either directly or indirectly. When I found out they had taken their own life’s it was very troubling to me. I thought to myself, why would someone do that. I was sitting home one night thinking about those guys and watching the TV and seeing what an epidemic suicide had become for all ages. Young kids’ adults’ elderly people, people of all ages and from all walks of life. Suicide doesn’t discriminate against who it affects. Rise is a song of hope and inspiration. I have said all along I do not care if I make any money on the song. If I can help one-person choose to “live” because of my song. I will consider the song to have gone multi-platinum.”
Held Hostage is:
Tom Collier – lead guitar/lead vocals
Scott Gregg – rhythm guitarist/backup vocals
Jeff Murray – drums
Dave Carrol – bass /backup vocals
Track Listing
We Rock Hard, featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens
Now We Ride (Bikers Life), featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens
Your Eyes, featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens
The Master, featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens
Hold On, featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens
You Rock Our Way, featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens
Take Me Away, featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens
Be A Man, featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens
Chaos (Live)
Rise (Stop Suicide All Ages), featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens
Fallen Brothers, featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens
Show Me The Way Back (Acoustic), featuring Joe Lynn Turner
Production Credits
Producer Tom Collier
Engineer Ron Keck
Recorded at Subcat Studios Syracuse NY
Photo Credits Scott Braun, Dave Koegel
Special Guest Vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens 10 tracks
Special Guest Vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, Special guest Bassist Mike Lepond (Symphony X, Ross The Boss), Drummer Ron Keck all on Show Me The Way Back Home
About Held Hostage
Held Hostage has toured as and been direct support act with many great bands
including Metal Allegiance, Quiet Riot, Molly Hatchet, The Rods, Uli Jon Roth, Eddie
Money, Benny Mardones, Manowar, Ross The Boss Band etc. Held Hostage is currently endorsed by many great products including SIT Strings, Rev Amps, Prestige Guitars, Barefoot Buttons, Clayton Custom Picks, Kick Lidz Drums, ProPlayer Art, Intune Guitar Picks, Guitar Gifts 4u, Big Bends, Best Tronics, Mental Case, Neat Audio, WBGear.
The bands unique blend of screaming guitars, thundering kick ass drums, raging bass
and uninhibited vocals will stay true to form. Held Hostage is ready and able to take their place in Rock and Roll history.
Canada’ The Metal Voice recently spoke to both Matt Barlow and Tim Ripper Owens (Ex Iced Earth) about the new upcoming album from Ashes of Ares entitled ‘Emperors and Fools’ via Rock Of Angels Records on January 21 2022. Tim Ripper Owens joins Barlow on the last track off the album called ‘ Monster’s Lament’. Both singers have never done an interview together up until now or on an album together.
In the chat Former Judas Priest, Iced Earth singer Tim Ripper Owens also gave quick update on the KK’s Priest happenings, he told The Metal Voice, “I’m going to head out to England eventually in the New Year and probably hang out with K.K. (Downing) and the guys and probably do some rehearsing. I know he (KK) has mentioned we are going to start to writing the new record, we might try to record it while we are waiting to go on tour. It’s not easy band to get on the road cause he (KK) is not playing small venues, he is only playing big venues.”
You can watch the whole interview here as well as read some of the Q and A below.
When asked Matt Barlow what he did differently music wise on this new album vs the last Ashes of Ares album?
“The only thing I can say is the outcome of this record is a little thrasher a little bit more an ode to the stuff that I started cutting my teeth on in the 80’s and probably the same with Freddie Vidales (guitarist). Freddie has a diverse influence as well as everybody in metal and is influenced to some degree by Maiden. For me the Bay Area stuff was huge for me in the 80’s it was just hitting hard. Metallica just blew the roof off of it, it was just a giant flood. Testament, you got Death Angel, Forbidden on and on and on, some many thrashy bands. It was a really big influence for me when I was doing my first original band with my brother in Cauldron. We were very much influenced by the thrash aspect of it and a little bit of Pantera that kind of thing. So this record for me has a lot more of a feel of that thrashy Bay Area sound. I don’t know if Freddie would agree with me exactly but I think that it’s there I think people will definitely hear it. We really weren’t going for a polished sound either, we were just trying to make it pretty raw . Obviously I am still doing some layered vocals on the album but I hope people like it.”
Matt tell us about Ripper Owens Contribution to the Track on the album called ‘Monster’s Lament’
“We were bouncing the idea of Tim working with us on the last record on this song, so this song is basically a hold over from the last record. This was Freddie’s creation. He composed it, he wrote the lyrics for it, I did the vocal melodies then took my idea to Tim and he rocked it out, he put his Ripper signature on it. I think fans are going to dig it , it’s me and Tim doing what we do and highlighting what we highlight in our voices. I think the song lent itself to being a really cool dark story. If I am playing a character this is probably the biggest A hole character I played in a song. “
Tim tell us about working with Matt on this song?
“We have been friends forever and always talked about it and Freddie reached out to me to do it and it was a no brainer, I didn’t even have to listen to it I knew it was going to rock. Our voices go so good together, they are different yet we do the same thing. I would love to do more with Matt as well. It is so much fun. It was such a great song to do and I look forward to doing other songs. I would describe this song as a journey, it takes you in, it’s like watching a movie except listening to it. The song has a lot to it just brings you in, it is really something great”
When the two were asked if they would ever consider doing a show together
“I think that would be an amazing thing, that would be fun, we don’t live all that far from each other but it’s hard with schedules but I think that would be a blast, it would be awesome. “Ripper
TRACK LIST:
1. A City in Decay (Intro)
2. I Am the Night
3. Our Last Sunrise
4. Primed
5. Where God Fears to Go
6. Emperors and Fools
7. By My Blade
8. What Tomorrow Will Bring
9. The Iron Throne
10. Gone
11. Throne of Iniquity (CD Exclusive Track)
12. Monster’s Lament
Ashes Of Ares:
Matt Barlow – Vocals
Freddie Vidales – Guitars, Bass
Guests:
Drums on all tracks by Van Williams
Keyboard intro composed by Jonah Weingarten
1st solo “The Iron Throne” by WileyArnett of Sacred Reich
2nd solo “The Iron Throne” by CharlieMark
2nd solo “Monster’s Lament” by BillHudson
Guest vocals “Monster’s Lament” by TimRipperOwens
Keyboards “Monster’s Lament” by BrianTrainor
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 