Tim 'Ripper' Owens, a native of Akron, Ohio, found international recognition fronting JUDAS PRIEST, joining in 1996 as replacement for Rob Halford. With the Birmingham Heavy Metal veterans Ripper fronted the albums 'Jugulator' in 1997, 'Live Meltdown' in 1998, 'Demolition' in 2001 and 'Live In London' in 2003. He had previously fronted BRAINICIDE, JUDAS PRIEST covers band BRITISH STEEL and WINTER'S BANE, featuring on 1993's 'Heart Of A Killer' with the latter act.

With Halford's return to JUDAS PRIEST Ripper resumed his career by assembling home town act BEYOND FEAR, releasing an eponymous 2006 album, before heading up ICED EARTH, for 'The Reckoning' in 2003, 'The Glorious Burden' in 2004, 'Overture Of The Wicked' and 'Framing Armageddon' both in 2007, and the YNGWIE MALMSTEEN band for 2008's 'Perpetual Flame' album. In 2009 he forged high profile covers band HAIL!

Ripper Owens put out his debut solo album, 'Play My Game', in May 2009. Featured studio musicians included John Comprix of BEYOND FEAR, Mike Callahan of EARSHOT, Chris Caffery of SAVATAGE and ex-MEAT LOAF guitarist Bob Kulick. An extensive guest list of players included guitarists Doug Aldrich of WHITESNAKE, Michael Wilton of QUEENSRŸCHE, Jeff Loomis of NEVERMORE, Steve Stevens plus bassists Marco Mendoza, of WHITESNAKE and THIN LIZZY, Billy Sheehan of MR. BIG, Dave Ellefson of MEGADETH, Rudy Sarzo, of DIO, OZZY OSBOURNE and QUIET RIOT, James Lomenzo of MEGADETH, Tony Franklin of BLUE MURDER, Dennis Hayes of BEYOND FEAR and drummers Simon Wright, of AC/DC and DIO, Vinny Appice, of DIO and BLACK SABBATH, Ray Luzier of KORN, Bobby Jarzombek, of RIOT and HALFORD, and Brett Chassen.

Owens announced solo touring in Mexico throughout May 2009. 'Play My Game' sold around 800 copies, including internet and digital sales, in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The album entered at no. 66 on the Top New Artist Albums Heatseekers chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

Touring Europe as support to HEAVEN AND HELL Owens' live band comprised guitarists Chris Caffery and John Comprix, bassist David Ellefson and drummer Simon Wright.