10 Worst Rock Band Member Replacements
5. Tim “Ripper” Owens Replaces Rob Halford - Judas Priest
He may not have been the original lead singer of Judas Priest, but nobody can argue that Rob Halford isn't the most iconic member of the metal heavyweights.
Halford came onboard right before their first commercial release, Rocka Rolla, in 1974. He went on to appear on their most famous records - Stained Class, British Steel, Screaming for Vengeance, etc. - before the group went on hiatus in 1992.
When they got back together in 1996, Halford declined an offer to reunite with his brothers in leather, so they found a back-up in Tim "Ripper" Owens.
What made Owens such a viable replacement? He'd been the lead singer in a Judas Priest tribute band! Oh no...
In an outcome that could have been seen from space, fans did not take kindly to Owens playing the role of Halford-lite, and the Ripper was ripped from their line-up in 2003, after just two studio albums in the job.
Priest replaced Owens with yet another tribute singer, one who really looked and sounded exactly like Rob Halford... wait a second, that is Rob Halford!
Get used to the whole "original member returns" thing. It happens a lot.