LEFT TO DIE is the new group featuring past DEATH members Terry Butler (also formerly of MASSACRE and currently in OBITUARY) and Rick Rozz (ex-MASSACRE) along with GRUESOME founders Matt Harvey (EXHUMED) and Gus Rios (ex-MALEVOLENT CREATION).
The band have just announced a summer U.S. tour, performing DEATH’s classic “Leprosy” album in its entirety, along with cuts from “Scream Bloody Gore”. Support on the “Reborn Dead” run will come from SKELETAL REMAINS and MORTUOUS.
Butler commented: “It’s such an honor to be playing ‘Leprosy’ after all these years. It’s been 30-plus years since Rick and myself have rocked these tunes together and Matt and Gus are the perfect dudes to join us on this journey — huge DEATH fans and killer musicians.” Rozz added: “Old-school DEATH fans — prepare yourselves for total brutality! Thanks to Terry, Matt and Gus for making this happen.”
LEFT TO DIE tour dates:
July 07 – Orlando, FL – the Haven
July 08 – Miami, FL – Gramps
July 09 – Tampa, FL – The Brass Mug
July 10 – Atlanta, GA – Boggs
July 13 – Boston, MA – Middle East downstairs
July 14 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
July 15 – Brooklyn, NY – Market Hotel
July 16 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar
July 17 – Cleveland, OH – No Class
July 19 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups
July 20 – Detroit, MI – Sanctuary
July 21 – Cincinnati, OH – Legends
July 22 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s
July 23 – Madison, WI – The Crucible
July 24 – Des Moines, IA – Leftys
July 25 – Omaha, NE – Reverb Lounge
July 27 – Dallas, TX – Amplified (inside)
July 28 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live
July 29 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
July 30 – San Antonio, TX – Rock Box
July 31 – Laredo, TX – The Cold Brew
Butler discussed how LEFT TO DIE initially formed, saying: “After the recent Chuck [Schuldiner] tribute shows that Matt, Gus, and myself did, Rick posed the question, ‘Would anyone want to see some ‘Leprosy’ shows?’ With a resounding ‘yes!’, the masses had spoken. Matt and Gus threw their hats in immediately and, in my opinion, they were the only real choice to bring this thing to life. LEFT TO DIE coming your way soon!!”
Rozz added: “It’s going to be an absolute honor and pleasure to play these 34-plus-year-old songs on stage with Terry after all these years, along with the talents of Matt and Gus. It’s gonna be brutal!”
Harvey and Rios were both very excited about the project coming together. Harvey reflected: “When Gus and I started GRUESOME as a DEATH tribute, we never thought that it would lead to us playing some of our favorite songs alongside the guys that recorded them, but here we are — and I couldn’t be more stoked.” Rios added: “When Rick contacted me about his idea, I was immediately on board, since ‘Leprosy’ is not only my favorite DEATH album, but my favorite death metal album of all time! I’m very grateful and stoked that Terry and Matt were also on board. The metal will flow this summer.”
