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

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

OVERKILL Releases Statement Regarding The Health Status Of Bobby "Blitz' Ellsworth

As previously reported, "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" was dented last night in Huntington, New York. Unfortunately, OVERKILL were forced to cancel their appearance last night at The Paramount Theater in Huntington, Long Island, NY because their singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth was rushed to the hospital after falling ill with walking pneumonia. The bands has just released the following update:

"We are terribly sorry that we had to cancel our performance last night, but let's put the rumors to rest, before speculation runs rampant.

"Blitz was diagnosed with what is called "walking pneumonia", and was medically advised to not perform due to it potentially getting worse if he did. When the health risk is no longer an issue, he'll be ready to kick ass once again."

So it is safe to assume that OVERKILL will not be performing on "The Dark Roots Of Thrash Tour" until further notice.

OVERKILL bassist DD Vernie commented: "We live just on the other side of the bridge, we will make up the show".

The epic tour, which features TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, and 4ARM, marks the first time that TESTAMENT and OVERKILL share the stage in over 25 years. 

We wish Bobby a speedy recovery! Please keep flexing your muscles like on the picture above for many years to come!

TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, 4ARM (remaining tour dates):
2/16: The Palladium – Worcester, MA
2/17: Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY
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

Related links:
Overkill's official site