Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth Returns To The Stage Following His Health Mishap!

This past February, OVERKILL were forced to pull the plug and pull out from "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" after Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth was diagnosed with walking pneumonia (full statement HERE). The tour featured TESTAMENT, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, and 4ARM.

Thankfully, "Blitz" recovered smoothly is back on the road in Scandinavia with his band OVERKILL (tour dates below).

Last night, "Blitz" hit the stage in Gothenburg, Sweden (the capital of Swedish Metal) and performed a duet with DORO! The two legendary Metal vocalists performed "Always Live To Win".

OVERKILL's Scandinavian tour (remaining dates):

April 2013:

29. Gothenburg , Sweden Sticky FIngers
30 Oslo , Norway John Dee

May 2013:

1 Stockholm, Sweden Debaser Slussen
2 Haugesund, Norway Karmoygeddon Festival
3 Grimstad, Norway Bluebox




Video and photo credit: Zulie Alvarez  

Related links:
Overkill's official site

OVERKILL's Bobby "Blitz" Discusses Music Evolution At "The Dark Roots Of Thrash" Tour!

If there is a man that defines the term "Metal Warrior" in our music, that man is Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth. Why? 

Well, even though he was suffering from walking pneumonia, "Blitz" tried his very best to keep the show going with his band OVERKILL and performed a few full concerts while taking oxygen in between songs.

Unfortunately, the body sometimes can't do what our mind wants it to do. As a result, OVERKILL were forced to pull the plug and pull out from "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" (full statement HERE). The tour features TESTAMENT, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, and 4ARM.

Even though "Blitz" was not feeling well, he still warriored through our interview and as you can see was in very high spirits. During the chat, which took place backstage at the Best Buy Theater in New York City on February 14, he shared with us his musical wisdom and the vision behind the OVERKILL machine. He also discussed music evolution, and what it takes to remain relevant in the ever changing music world. Without further due, buckle up and step inside the "wrecking crew"!




Here is our show review! And here is our photo gallery!

TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, 4ARM (remaining tour dates):
2/25: The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26: In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
2/27: Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
2/28: Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA
* – Denotes FLOTSAM AND JETSAM will not be playing

Video and photo credit: Zulie Alvarez Related links:
Overkill's official site

"Zulie's Dozen" At "The Dark Roots Of Thrash" Tour In New York City!

On Valentines Day, Horns Up Rocks' Zulie Alvarez entered the pit at the Best Buy Theater in New York City. Here is "Zulie's Dozen" at "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour", featuring TESTAMENT, OVERKILL and FLOTSAM AND JETSAM! Full review HERE!

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM:

OVERKILL:

TESTAMENT:

Photos by: Zulie Alvarez


Related links:
Testament
Overkill
Flotsam And Jetsam

The "Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" Brings The Love To New York City On Valentines Day!

This past Thursday, February 14, over two thousand headbangers celebrated Valentines Day at The "Dark Roots Of Thrash" Tour. This once in a lifetime tour features TESTAMENT, OVERKILL (no longer part of the tour), FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, and 4ARM. The New York City stop of the tour took place at the Best Buy Theater in the heart of Times Square, were the love for Thrash Metal was present from beginning to end.

While most fans showed up to see TESTAMENT and OVERKILL share a stage for the first time in over 25 years, 4ARM and FLOTSAM AND JETSAM were perfectly picked to warm up the crowd. FLOTSAM AND JETSAM always deliver the musical goods. Not only does FLOTSAM AND JETSAM bring plenty of experience to this tour, but they offer the TestaKill fans a fresh sonic approach when it comes to live music by jamming their hearts out.

Once OVERKILL took center stage, the venue was fully packed and the crowd was on their feet when Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and the rest of the band demolished ear drums via their vulgar display of old school Metal! Even though "Blitz" was later diagnosed with pneumonia, which is why the band had to cancel their appearance on the rest of the tour, he sounded great and do not let anybody tell you otherwise. While he was kneeling down quiet often while performing live,and allegedly was given oxygen during the bands set, "Blitz" didn't miss a beat and OVERKILL brought their A game!
However, OVERKILL were forced to cancel their appearance for the rest of the tour due to the fact that Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth's needs time to recover from pneumonia. Full statement HERE!

After we all quenched our thirsts with some cold brews, which we obviously enjoyed responsibly, TESTAMENT took center stage and became everyone's Valentine! We have personally seen TESTAMENT various times within the last few years and even though they performed some amazing sets, this time around the band - Chuck Billy (vocals), Alex Skolnick & Eric Peterson (guitars), Greg Christian (bass), Gene Hoglan (drums) - went for the kill. Even though the competition between Heavy Music bands is always a friendly one, we humans love competition. And TESTAMENT definitely stepped their game up in order to be able to outperform OVERKILL and FLOTSAM AND JETSAM. Take a look at the bands killer set list:

It is refreshing to know that our music is alive and well, and that the future is very bright! If you get the chance to catch this amazing tour, do not hesitate. Just make sure you warm your neck up and that you bring ear plugs. Here are the remaining tour dates:

2/20: Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
2/21: The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
2/22: The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
2/23: First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
2/25: The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26: In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
2/27: Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
2/28: Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA

Related links:  
Testament
Overkill
Flotsam And Jetsam

Flotsam & Jetsam Ink Record Deal With Metal Blade Records; Band On Tour Now With Testament!

Flotsam and Jetsam, arguably one of the most influential and prominent acts from Thrash Metal's birth in the early 80s, has returned to Metal Blade Records to release their NEW album, 'Ugly Noise'. The lead single/title track is available for streaming now here (courtesy of Metal Blade Records).


'Ugly Noise' is the band's eleventh full-length album, their first release on Metal Blade since 2001, and the follow up to their 2010 album, 'The Cold'. The record also heralds the return of original members Michael Gilbert on guitar and Kelly David Smith on drums, who haven't recorded with Flotsam and Jetsam since High in 1997.

Flotsam and Jetsam's Kelly Smith comments on working with Metal Blade: "We have just inked a distribution deal for the release of 'Ugly Noise' through Metal Blade Records. 'Ugly Noise' will be released worldwide in late March/Early April of 2013. It was the obvious choice for us after our long-standing relationship and Metal Blades 30 year history of Metal. You can't match what they can do with 30 years of experience behind them. We are excited and looking forward to working with MB in 2013."

Also, tune into Liquid Metal on SiriusXM this week for a Flotsam and Jetsam interview & Liquid Metal Takeover! Kelly Smith, Eric AK and Michael Gilbert stop by the SiriusXM NYC studios to talk to Jose Mangin about their NEW album, 'Ugly Noise', and their current comeback tour with Testament on "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour". After the hour interview special, the guys host a Liquid Metal Takeover picking out their go-to Metal songs.

Tune in to listen:
- Thurs, 2/21 @ 5pm ET / 2pm PT
- Sat, 2/23 @ Noon ET / 9am PT
- Sun, 2/24 @ 9pm ET / 6pm PT

As previously reported, "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" was dented this weekend as OVERKILL were forced to cancel their appearance due to the fact that Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth's contracted pneumonia. Full statement HERE!

TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, 4ARM (remaining tour dates):

2/20: Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
2/21: The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
2/22: The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
2/23: First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
2/25: The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26: In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
2/27: Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
2/28: Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA 

Related links:
Official Site of Flotsam And Jetsam

OVERKILL's Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth Unable To Continue Touring With TESTAMENT & FLOTSAM AND JETSAM - Official Statement Available!

As previously reported, "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" was dented this weekend as OVERKILL were unable to perform in Huntington, NY and in Buffalo, NY because their singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth was rushed to the hospital after falling ill with walking pneumonia. Being the warrior that he is, "Blitz" sucked it up and performed at The Palladium in Worcester, MA on Saturday (February 16) were he allegedly was given oxygen between songs.

Unfortunately, "Blitz" pushed himself a bit far and really needs the proper time to recover as pneumonia is a very serious illness. As a result, the band have made the wise decision to pull out from "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour". A statement from the collective band, released exclusively to Horns Up Rocks!, follows: 

"Overkill regretfully announce that we can no longer continue on the Testament North American tour. Blitz's condition has gotten slightly worse and he needs some time to get back to 100%. We would like to thank Testament for a great tour and look forward to everyone back on the road soon."

We wish Bobby a speedy recovery!

TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, 4ARM (remaining tour dates):
2/18: Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON
2/20: Bogart’s – Cincinnati, OH
2/21: The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
2/22: The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
2/23: First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
2/25: The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/26: In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
2/27: Knitting Factory – Reno, NV
2/28: Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA
* – Denotes FLOTSAM AND JETSAM will not be playing

Photo credit: Zulie Alvarez
Related links:
Overkill's official site