OVERKILL (Thrash Legends from USA) – Back In Time with Metal Photographer Bill O’Leary #overkill

A year or so after I graduated high school in Summit, New Jersey a female friend of mine, Lori D. introduced me to her new boyfriend, a guy named Lee. She said we had to meet because of our mutual love of hard rock and heavy metal. This was Rat Skates, future founding member and drummer of OVERKILL. Before they eventually became known as OVERKILL, Rat and bassist DD Verni would rehearse covers by Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Motorhead. I photographed them in 1981, shortly after vocalist Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth joined, it was their first official promo shoot as OVERKILL.

  Over the years I photographed them on many occasions as they became one of the biggest metal bands out there. The images here vary in time from 1984, 1987 and 1994. They have toured with ANTHRAX, MEGADETH and SLAYER as well as becoming a major headliner on their own, especially popular in Germany and Europe. Rat Skates eventually left the band for personal reasons, mainly the constant grind of touring and wanting to have a normal life. Long time guitarist Bobby Gustafson seen here also eventually left the band.

  OVERKILL have continued some 39 years now, with bassist DD Verni and vocalist Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth as the sole original members. They have recorded over 20 albums, sold well over 5 million albums and continue to tour all over the world. Looking back at all the images I have shot of the band since 1981, they bring back many great memories of the early thrash/power metal days we all had a part in. Cheers to “Blitz” and DD on all their successes. Blood Metal Donor’s !!!

Overkill Band Links:

• Overkill on Facebook
• Overkill on Instagram
• Overkill on Twitter
• The Official Overkill Forum
  Official Website

Timeless Concert Images