Judas Priest drummer Scott Travis discussed the band’s stance on Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens-era songs in an interview with El Expreso del Rock.
“I just think it’s not something Rob [Halford, Priest vocalist] really wants to do, and I totally understand that,” Travis explained.
“And the other thing is, with Judas Priest, we have so many great songs to play, it’s impossible to get to get ’em all in because, as you know, in concert, we’re always gonna have to play ‘[You’ve Got] Another Thing Comin” and ‘Living After Midnight’, ‘Breaking The Law’, ‘[The] Green Manalishi [With the Two Pronged Crown]’, ‘Victim Of Changes’ — you’re always gonna have to play those classics,” he continued.
“‘Cause as soon as you don’t play those, then people are screaming, ‘Why didn’t you play this song or that song?’ So you have to do those, and then you’ve only got so much time left to squeeze the other songs in during a live set,” Travis said. “So, to be honest, there’s really just not time. And so we just decided to not mess with it.”
The discussion of Owens-era songs remains a significant topic in the band’s history. It highlights the complex dynamics of lineup changes in legendary metal bands.
Reports from Blabbermouth revealed Owens’ tenure as Judas Priest’s lead vocalist spanned from 1996 to 2003. He filled in during Rob Halford’s absence. His contributions included two studio albums: ‘Jugulator’ (1997) and ‘Demolition’ (2001). He also recorded two live albums and a DVD.
Wikipedia documented Owens’ remarkable path to joining the band. The members discovered him through a video of his performances with a Judas Priest tribute band. His talent led to an immediate recruitment.
Ultimate Metal noted Halford’s balanced perspective on this chapter. He hasn’t listened to the Owens-era albums because ‘it’s not my voice.’ However, he maintains respect for Owens as both a friend and musician.
Halford remains open to the possibility of performing these songs in the future. He acknowledges these albums as legitimate entries in the Judas Priest catalog.
