OVERKILL – LAST MAN STANDING 2020 marks the 40th year since the formation of Thrash legends Overkill, who in 2019 released their 19th studio album, THE WINGS OF WAR, the first to feature former Shadows’ Fall drummer Jason Bittner. We had a chat with co-founder/vocalist Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth about the boat, the band, and the Garden State. Blitz. Hey man how’s everything going? Thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. Yous guys excited for the MEGACRUISE? The Megacruise will kill, the line-up alone makes it the event of the year! I think if I was not playing, I’d be going regardless. 2020 marks the 40th anniversary of OVERKILL as a band, and the 25th anniversary of your debut album Feel The Fire. Any special plans for the big anniversaries? We have no anniversary plans for Feel the Fire, or the birth if the band. I think we have always tried to live in the present. That has helped us make the most of day and the current release. Overkill actually toured with Megadeth on the PEACE SELLS tour. Any cool memories that stick out from that period? The PS/TO tour was our 2nd through the USA, and we already knew the Megadeth guys. What stood out to me was energy and excitement. I’m talking not only about the bands, but the audience. The tour for me still is the mark where both band came together to take this thing of ours to the next level! In February you guys released your 19th studio album THE WINGS OF WAR, which is also notable as it’s the first album to include your current drummer Jason Bittner. I’m sure by now everyone has heard it, but why don’t you tell us about it for anybody who hasn’t. For The Wings of War, the chemistry of the
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band changed slightly. The addition of Jason was part of the reason, and in my opinion gave us fresh ears. I think the idea is change can sometimes be unsettling, but we embraced it, yielding high end results in the songwriting, as well as production.. Lets say TWOW has “ teeth”. Overkill is currently in the midst of a huge World tour, including some current dates in Europe (with Flotsam and Jetsam and Destruction) that will be finished by the time this goes to print. How have the shows been going? What’s the reaction to the material from the new record? With such a massive catalog of music to choose from, how do you guys decide what’s gonna make it into the set? The Euro tour has been killer, 3 veteran bands, all cut from a similar cloth, it’s a “thrash” no -brainer. This is the 2nd leg with the same line up. Choosing a set list? FORGETABOUTIT ! Again ti live in the day, we are playing 4 new tracks, and they fit seamlessly. You also recently launched a hockey themed clothing line with PUCK HCKY, which is fucking awesome. David (Ellefson) and I both have lines through them as well, and pretty much my entire wardrobe consists of PUCK. In fact, some key pieces from the OVERKILL line have already made it into my daily rotation. How did the collaboration come about? You guys are from Jersey, so I assume you’re a DEVILS fan? It really does seem like there is a special connection between Hockey and the Garden State. Hockey and Jersey hand in hand, with 3 cups! Always lived the sport, and have been goimg to games since the 90s. Adrenaline PR introduced us to Matt at Puck, and we loved his ideas.
It’s cool to know, that over the years as well as now, there are plenty NHL players, that are headbangers! Have you ever gone out in search of the actual Jersey Devil? Yes....he lives at the Prudential Center. What can the fans expect from OVERKILL on the MEGACRUISE? Herman Li from Dragonforce just told me that he may or may not light himself on fire. Any special surprises, maybe not quite that extreme, deep cuts from the catalog you guys plan to pull out, etc? It’s always business as usual for us. Keeps it running like a well-oiled machine. Thanks so much Blitz. See you on the boat! See you all on-board! Wreckingcrew.com Find more of Overkill’s PUCK collection at PUCKHCKY.COM! -Thom Hazaert
