With the world in the throes of the swine flu outbreak, American heavy metal vocalist TIM "RIPPER" OWENS (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, ex-JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) has announced that the previously reported tour of Mexico has been postponed. "Well, as if this comes as a surprise, my Mexican tour for May has been postponed. As of now we will try and do it at the end of June, but let's see what unfolds. All I know is I hope they get this worked out and everybody stays safe!" More news when it becomes available.

Owens will be holding a Closed Door private CD listening party for his new album, Play My Game, on Sunday, May 3rd at Scorchers in Akron, OH.

As previously reported, a new solo track, 'Starting Over', is currently streaming on Owens' MySpace page. The song was written by Owens and Bob Kulick and features the following lineup:

- Tim "Ripper" Owens - vocals
- Bob Kulick (guitar)
- Rudy Sarzo (DIO, ex-OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT) – bass
- Simon Wright (Dio, ex-AC/DC) - drums

Play My Game, will be released via Steamhammer/SPV available as jewel case and download, on the following dates:

Germany / Austria / Switzerland: May 15th

UK / rest of Europe: May 18th

USA / Canada: May 19th

Play My Game (artwork at left, click to enlarge) will feature the following tracklisting/guests:

* 'Starting Over' (written by: Tim Owens, Bob Kulick): guitar - Bob Kulick, bass - Rudy Sarzo, drums - Simon Wright

* 'Believe' (written by: Tim Owens): guitar - John Comprix, bass - Rudy Sarzo, drums - Simon Wright, lead guitar - Craig Goldy

* 'The Cover Up' (written by: Tim Owens): guitar - John Comprix, bass - James Lomenzo, drums - Brett Chassen, lead guitar - Jeff Loomis

* 'Pick Yourself Up' (written by: Tim Owens, Mike Callahan): guitar - Mike Callahan/Bob Kulick, bass - Dennis Hayes, drums - Ray Luzier, lead guitar - Steve Stevens

* 'It Is Me' (written by: Tim Owens): guitar - John Comprix, bass - Rudy Sarzo, drums - Simon Wright, lead guitar - Carlos Cavazo

* 'No Good Goodbyes' (written by: Tim Owens, Bob Kulick, Brett Chassen): guitar - Bob Kulick, bass - Billy Sheehan, drums - Brett Chassen, lead guitar - Bruce Kulick

* 'The World Is Blind' (written by: Tim Owens): guitar - John Comprix, bass - Billy Sheehan, drums - Simon Wright, lead guitar - Doug Aldrich

* 'To Live Again' (written by: Tim Owens): guitar - Michael Wilton/Bob Kulick, bass - David Ellefson, drums - Simon Wright, lead guitar - Michael Wilton

* 'The Light ' (written by: Tim Owens, Bob Kulick): all guitars - Bob Kulick, bass - Tony Franklin, drums - Bobby Jarzombeck

* 'Play My Game' (written by: Tim Owens, John Comprix): guitar - John Comprix, bass - Rudy Sarzo, drums - Simon Wright, lead guitar - Neil Zaza

* 'Death Race' (written by: Tim Owens, John Comprix): all guitar - John Comprix, bass - James Lomenzo, drums - Brett Chassen

* 'The Shadows Are Alive' (written by: Tim Owens, Chris Caffery): all guitar - Chris Caffery, bass- Marco Mendoza, drums- Simon Wright

* Bonus Track: 'A Challenge' (iTunes exclusive) (written by: Tim Owens, Bob Kulick): guitar - Bob Kulick, bass - Rudy Sarzo, drums- Vinnie Appice