Tim 'Ripper' Owens: Still Hitting Those High Notes at Full Throttle
In a raw and candid interview with Brazil's Heavy Talk, Tim 'Ripper' Owens, the powerhouse voice behind KK'S PRIEST and former frontman of JUDAS PRIEST, gave fans an unfiltered glimpse into his vocal journey as he ages in the grueling metal scene. When asked about the challenges of maintaining his signature high notes, Owens confidently asserted that his voice is still as potent as ever, if not better. "When I say I've been struggling, it's probably 75% for me, which is still better than a lot of others at 100%. Every night is a gamble, but lately, my high notes have been shining bright," he explained, revealing the behind-the-scenes work that goes into his performances.
Owens elaborated on his vocal warm-up routine, a new addition to his pre-show regimen. "I've never warmed up in my life; legends like Ronnie James Dio never did. But as I started feeling the strain, I realized I needed to adapt. Today, I skipped the warm-up just to test myself — and it worked out. Scary, but it worked," he chuckled, highlighting the relentless pressure to deliver at live shows.
In a separate chat with Chile's iRock.cl, he discussed the physical demands of life on the road, admitting that while he's been keeping fit, he battles ongoing vocal issues. "Health-wise, I’m doing better, but these vocal problems are a reality we all face. I’m learning how to navigate these challenges without sacrificing my integrity as a singer. I don’t cheat my fans; I hit the notes as they were meant to be sung," he stated, illustrating his unwavering commitment to authenticity in his craft.
Tim's passion for live performances hasn't waned even as he approaches his late 50s. "I still get that rush of excitement before stepping on stage. It’s not the nerves of performing; it’s the desire to deliver a killer performance. I love seeing the crowd react when I hit those high notes. That’s what keeps me going," he shared, shedding light on the connection he feels with the audience during those electrifying moments.
Reflecting on his legacy, Owens reiterated his commitment to performing tracks exactly as they were recorded, whether from his illustrious past or his current project. "I’m tired of watching singers change their songs; I can sing every note as it was meant to be sung. The new KK'S PRIEST material is a testament to that. These songs are challenging, perhaps even more than the classics. But that’s the thrill of it — pushing my limits and delivering what the fans expect," he concluded, embodying the relentless spirit of metal.