TIM 'RIPPER' OWENS

Despite the setback of having Marky Mark "Interpret" his story on film, Tim 'Ripper' Owens has gone on from fronting one of the best Heavy Metal bands in the World to working with a variety of big names as well as fermenting his own solo career. His impressive CV includes stints with 'Iced Earth' & the aforementioned Judas Priest whilst he is currently keeping himself out of trouble by fronting Yngwie Malmsteen's band as well as writing & recording with 'Beyond Fear' and pursuing his solo career.

Check out his website at www.timripperowens.com for full details including tour dates. Many thanks to John Norby.

1. How are you, where are you?
I am great...busy but great!! Home in Akron, Ohio now.

2. What's currently happening in your world?
Well, just did a show in Budapest and now working on Beyond Fear tunes and putting solo tours together from Europe tour to a show in Israel to another South America solo tour. And shows with Charred Walls and Hail as well.

3. What has been the best concert of one of your peers that you have ever attended?
Wow, there have been some great ones. Judas Priest Defenders tour, a great Overkill show in Akron in the early '90s even a great Saxon show in Cleveland in the mid '80s.

4. Do you remember the first place/time you ever stepped on stage, and what happened?
Yea, it was a Jam night in Akron at The Temple Tavern... a JAM night! It went great, and it was a blast. I was 18.

5. What was the first song you ever wrote/performed?
I think a song called Insane in Dammage Inc/Brainacide. It was pretty cool.

6. What performer are you in awe of, and why?
Well, I just met Mike Patton in the airport this past year in Brazil and I could hardly speak...it was amazing. I mean, I met Rob and the guys and Dio but sometimes it's something else. Might be like that with Chris Cornell as well.

7. What have been the high and low points of your career to date?
I think the high point was making Priest and also, right now, I mean I see more of the world now then ever and I play my own tunes. Low point might have been the way Iced Earth let me go, could have been handled much better. That being said, it was a great run with those guys.

8. If you could tell someone to do something what would it be?
I would tell 8 million people to buy my solo CD and the new Beyond Fear and Charred Walls.

9. What is your favorite city to have a show in and why?
That is a hard one... I do love to play in London, but there are so many great cities to play.

10. What color is the sky in your world?
Clear, baby, and smooth sailing!