Bobby Ellsworth

Overkill

Despite all the audio difficulties I managed to sum up the really nice talk I had with OVERKILL's frontmant Bobby Blitz Ellsworth. I always get amazed when I talk to a successful artist who still has such a great passion for music.

By Dimitris Kontogeorgakos

• December 13, 2009

Interview with: Bobby Blitz Ellsworth from OVERKILL

Hello Bobby how are you? Where do I find you?

Hey, Dimitris I am in New Jersey and I am generally fine despite the cold I have.

You have a new album on the way; can you describe the music in it?

Oh yes, it's pretty much about what OVERKILL was with some new elements of the nowadays music. A great role on the music in Ironbound the tour we did with EXODUS, DESTRUCTION and WARBRINGER. Sharing the stage with all these Thrash bands made us rediscover some of the raw energy that this band has and put it in the new album. And that's really special for us. It seems like this album is opening a new chapter for OVERKILL.

How did you manage to do that? Was this part to Peter Tangtgren's work or something else?

Yes, Peter has done a great work. He is a fan of OVERKILL and understand the band's sound. If you are in contact with the songs then you know exactly what the sound should be.

When you and D.D. write music do you have any special rules to follow and sound like OVERKILL?

Well, I think it does come naturally to us. I know what D.D. is capable of and he knows what I can do. This was built during all these years that we are together so the OVERKILL sound comes through this work. There is a big rule book that says rule number one: there are no rules (laughs) And the rest of the pages have pictures of naked women. (laughs)

You have just signed with Nuclear Blast; what did happen with the previous one with Bodog Music?

Well, the reason that we signed with Bodog Music was the Zazula brothers. So, one day the company told us that they had to fire them. So, we did not want to be connected to a gambling related label without the Zazulas. And this was the end to this deal. In fact this was a requirement to the record deal to work with the brothers.

Was the album ready before the signing with Nuclear Blast?

Yes. We did not wait to find a new record deal. In fact we took all this time to compose the music in Ironbound. I believe this is why it sums up all the OVERKILL sounds; from the first days to the latest with all our influences in it.

It is really great that you are talking about influences after all these years.

We are still fans of this music so to bring some influences in is something that comes naturally.

What about the lyrical content in Ironbound

They are about tragic, fight and there is a song The Green And The Black that is dedicated to our fans that have been with us all these years. And the fans are the most important thing for us because we are here due to their support.

You have a thing with black and green colors.

Yes, we do. Actually, I am a big hockey fan and these are the colors of my favorite hockey team. You know hockey is a very physical sport with a lot of punching and hitting. So, my favorite hockey team New Jersey Devils have a really cool intro video saying that for the next 50 minutes you are going to see us play and this kind of feels like an OVERKILL show, if you know what I mean.

Yeah just like a Metal concert.

Exactly!

In every album you sound really pissed off. How do you manage to get into this mood while in the studio against a microphone?

When I sit down and read the lyrics I can recall all the thoughts and feelings that I had when I wrote them. So, I enter a certain state where I really feel them and I am able to sing just like I should. It is very important for the singer to feel the lyrics; otherwise he won't put his heart on singing them.

What about the rest of the band; what was their input to Ironbound?

If you listen to the album you will realize that the guitars are everywhere. Dave and Derek did such a great work in this.

You have announced a special concert where you will celebrate the band's 25 years; do you have anything special planned for that gig?

This was announced by the label but we do want to do something special for the New Jersey fans. We are still thinking about it.

So, you have a tour coming ahead; what can we expect from OVERKILL?

Well, we are planning to get with us a new band called SUICIDAL ANGELS. Do you know them?

Of course I do, they are from Greece. So, are you still listening to new music? Or are you the 80s guy who listens nothing but from that era?

Sure I like the 80s but I am also listening to the new stuff. You cannot be single minded you have to be open and evolve.

The album is going to be released also in vinyl; how do you feel about it?

Great! I started listening to music using a turntable. It is great and actually sounds better than the CD version.

My last question is a little bit of a cliche; have you ever thought of retirement?

Well, obviously I cannot be onstage for all my life. I mean physically this is not possible. I think I will be there as look as I can stand it. After all this is my life and this is what I have been doing the last 30 years.

Ok, Bobby thank you for your time. Take care of yourself and get well from the cold you have.

Thanks Dimitris I would like to thank the Greek fans for their support! I hope to get there sometime!

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