OVERKILL, the seasoned thrash metal stalwarts hailing from New Jersey, have enlisted David Ellefson to assume bass duties for their upcoming “Scorching Latin America 2024” tour
This decision comes as original OVERKILL bassist D.D. Verni recuperates from shoulder surgery, rendering him unable to partake in the shows.
Commencing on April 11 in Guadalajara, Mexico, OVERKILL‘s extensive 10-date excursion through Latin America will traverse Costa Rica, Chile, and Peru before culminating on April 28 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
OVERKILL singer Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth states: “South, Central America and Mexico, with D.D. on the mend from surgery and the opportunity in front of us, where to go but back to the roots of THRASH! Please welcome Mr. David Ellefson to the OVERKILL, touring ranks this April 2024! ‘David, can you help?’ The answer: ‘Yes, let’s go!’ We can’t wait to see you guys! Horns up!”
Verni comments. “Bummed to not be able to thrash it up with our Latin America fans, but gotta get this wing workin!!….but who better than one of the great original thrash bass players, and old friend, David Ellefson to fill in.”
David Ellefson comments, “It’s an honor to fill in for my friend, the mighty D.D. Verni, as he takes time to heal up right now. OVERKILL always brings the fury and I’m looking forward to scorching Latin America with them!”
OVERKILL’s “Scorching Latin America” tour dates thus far:
April 11 – MX – Guadalajara
April 13 – MX – CDMX
April 15 – SV – San Salvador
April 17 – CR – San Jose
April 19 – EC – Quito
April 21 – CH – Santiago
April 22 – AR – Buenos Aires
April 24 – BO – La Paz
April 26 – PE – Lima
April 28 – BR – Sao Paulo
Ellefson‘s involvement with MEGADETH ceased nearly three years ago, following the surfacing of sexually suggestive messages and explicit videos featuring the bassist on Twitter. This controversy led to his dismissal from the band by MEGADETH frontman Dave Mustaine, who subsequently recruited TESTAMENT‘s Steve DiGiorgio to re-record Ellefson‘s bass parts for MEGADETH‘s latest album, “The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!“
In May 2022, MEGADETH announced James LoMenzo as their permanent bassist. LoMenzo, who previously served as MEGADETH‘s bassist in the mid-2000s, initially rejoined as a touring member for “The Metal Tour Of The Year.“
Notably, in 2004, David Ellefson initiated an $18.5-million lawsuit against Mustaine, alleging financial discrepancies and reneged agreements regarding Megadeth Inc. when the band disbanded in 2002. Despite the legal dispute being ultimately dismissed, Ellefson reconciled with MEGADETH in 2010, maintaining his tenure with the group from its inception in 1983 until 2002, and again from 2010 until his departure.