Tim "Ripper" Owens: We're still working on it. I hope we tour the U.S. I guess we'll have to see what happens. I definitely want to tour, no doubt about it.
Does having a family make it more difficult for you to go out on the road?
It makes it really hard. I try to tell myself that this is what I do. You have to sacrifice. You have kids, you know what you do. It's something that's not going to change. It's my job, my life. I could be doing something else and have kids and be gone even more. Imagine if you were a truck driver and gone all the time. I am home a lot with them, but when I go it's for fairly long stints, three weeks at a time. But I'm home a lot as well.
What's the status of the next Iced Earth album?
I'm not sure when it's going to be done. Jon (Schaffer) is working on it. I'm going to go see him in a couple of days. I hope we're going to crack down and start working on it pretty soon. He's writing now and I'll get with him and help out and we'll see what happens.
Who do you think are the most overrated and underrated bands?
I think the most underrated was my era in Judas Priest. I think for me overrated would be Guns 'N Roses.
What's the worst job you've ever had?
Waterproofing basements. It was hell. I didn't do it very long.
What are your best and worst personal characteristics?
My best characteristic is that I'm a caring and emotional guy. My worst characteristic is that I'm a caring and emotional guy. I learned a lot from the guys in Priest. I'm a big believer of not burning bridges. You've just got to be yourself and be a good guy and treat everyone with respect. I want the same from other people. I'm also happy to be here, and I think that helps, too.
