Talented vocalist who started out with various bands in the early ’90s. When longtime Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford left the band in 1992, a lengthy application/auditioning process began to find a suitable replacement. Live video footage of Owens’ Priest tribute band British Steel was sent to drummer Scott Travis and made enough of an impression for the band to fly him in to audition. After less than 2 songs he got the job, and officially joined the band in February of 1996.

He recorded 2 studio albums, 2 live albums and a live DVD with Priest before amicably departing for Halford’s return in 2003. Since then he has joined and recorded a full-length with Iced Earth, and started his own band, Beyond Fear, whose self-titled debut album was released in 2006. He was kicked out of Iced Earth in late 2007.

In 2021, he joined KK's Priest, a Heavy Metal band formed by ex-Judas Priest guitarist K. K. Downing.

Tim’s Ripper nickname was given to him by guitarist Glenn Tipton after his strong performance of the song during the auditioning process.
His rise to fame was largely used as the basis for the 2001 film Rock Star.