"The Ripper" is a single by British heavy metal band Judas Priest, first released in March 1976. It was also featured on their 1976 studio album Sad Wings of Destiny. It tells the story of "Jack the Ripper" from the killer's point of view. It has become a fan favorite and is one of the band's signature songs. Glenn Tipton penned the song shortly after joining the band, but producer Rodger Bain rejected including it on their first album Rocka Rolla. The original version that Tipton wrote was much longer than the one eventually included on Sad Wings of Destiny at nearly eight minutes as well as played at a slower tempo. It can be heard on some early bootlegs from 1975-76.