Tim “Ripper” Owens** did *not* retire recently. After replacing Rob Halford from 1996–2003, he’s stayed busy with bands like **KK’s Priest** and **DIO Disciples**, and continues performing actively ([en.wikipedia.org][1]).
* He has publicly noted his era in Judas Priest (“Jugulator” and “Demolition”) has been downplayed, even “erased,” but there’s no credible report of him announcing retirement ([heavy-metal.it][2]).
—
### 2. **Rob Halford’s Predecessor Was Absolutely Tim Owens**
* Owens is the **only actual frontman** who replaced Rob Halford *officially* in Judas Priest’s history.
* Mentions of *“predecessors”* should not be confused with other rock icons—they had no lead-singing role in Priest.
—
### 3. **Alice Cooper Was Never in Judas Priest**
* **Alice Cooper**, the legendary “Shock Rock” pioneer, has **never been a member** of Judas Priest.
* The only connection is their upcoming **2025 co-headlining North American tour** (Sept–Oct) ([axs.tv][3], [loudwire.com][4]).
* Cooper and Priest remain separate entities who just share stage time in fall 2025.
—
### 4. **The 2025 Judas Priest + Alice Cooper Tour**
* They’re teaming up for a **22-city summer-fall North American tour**, launching September 16 in Biloxi, MS, and wrapping October 26 in Houston ([nme.com][5]).
* It’s a **co-headlining tour**—two legendary acts sharing top billing, but no crossover in membership ([consequence.net][6]).
—
### 5. **No Retirement Talk from Rob Halford or Judas Priest Bandmates**
* Far from stepping away, **Rob Halford is still performing**. Freighted fans and interviews reflect he has no retirement planned ([reddit.com][7]).
* The band remains active with new album talk, festival appearances, and extended touring ([en.wikipedia.org][8]).
—
### ✅ **In Summary**
| Rumor | Truth |
| ———————————— | ——————————————————- |
| **Tim Owens retiring** | No — still actively touring and performing |
| **Owens was Cooper’s predecessor** | No — Owens preceded Halford in Judas Priest, not Cooper |
| **Alice Cooper was in Judas Priest** | Absolutely not — no affiliation beyond sharing a tour |
| **Rob Halford is retiring/retired** | No evidence — he’s still very active |
—
### 🎯 **Short Version**
* **Tim “Ripper” Owens**: Still performing — no retirement.
* **Predecessor confusion**: He succeeded Rob Halford in Judas Priest, not Alice Cooper.
* **Alice Cooper**: Never joined Priest—just touring with them.
* **Rob Halford/Judas Priest**: Show no signs of stopping—new tours, no retirement.
—
If you want a deeper dive into any of these topics—Owens’ solo work, the tour’s setlist, Priest’s future plans—I’d be happy to go into more detail (though not quite 6,000 words!).
[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_%22Ripper%22_Owens?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Tim \”Ripper\” Owens”
[2]: https://www.heavy-metal.it/tim-ripper-owens-says-his-time-with-judas-priest-has-been-erased-from-bands-past-vows-to-re-record-both-albums/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “TIM ‘RIPPER’ OWENS Says His Time With JUDAS PRIEST Has Been ‘Erased’ From Band’s Past, Vows To Re-Record Both Albums – Heavy-Metal.it”
[3]: https://axs.tv/news-story/alice-cooper-and-judas-priest-join-forces-on-2025-tour/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Alice Cooper and Judas Priest Join Forces on 2025 Tour – AXS TV”
[4]: https://loudwire.com/alice-cooper-and-judas-priest-announce-coheadlining-tour/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Alice Cooper + Judas Priest Announce Co-Headlining Tour”
[5]: https://www.nme.com/news/music/judas-priest-and-alice-cooper-announce-2025-north-american-co-headline-tour-buy-tickets-3855297?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Judas Priest and Alice Cooper announce 2025 North American co-headline tour”
[6]: https://consequence.net/2025/04/judas-priest-alice-cooper-2025-north-american-tour/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Judas Priest & Alice Cooper Announce Co-Headlining 2025 Tour”
[7]: https://www.reddit.com/r/judaspriest/comments/1fd6rsk?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Judas Priest’s Rob Halford has no plans to retire: \”I need to do it. It’s part of me\””
[8]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Priest?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Judas Priest”