Former OVERKILL Guitarist Bobby Gustafson Forms HAIL MARY With Ex-Bandmate Sid Falck And RAVEN’s John Gallagher
November 15th, 2015
Guitarist Bobby Gustafson – formerly of New Jersey-based thrash metal group – formed Hail Mary, revealing this development on November 13th, 2015.
Hail Mary was formed for the purpose of writing, recording, and releasing a single tentatively titled ‘To Hell And Back’, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to The Cheri Pogue Medical Fund.
On July 11th, 2015, Cheri (Goodale) Pogue was enjoying a charity motorcycle ride with her husband Steve Pogue (guitarist of Infectus 13, which also features former Overkill / Battlezone drummer Sid Falck) as well as friends. Cheri was unfortunately involved in an accident which severed her left foot, with her left leg being eventually amputated below the knee.
Gustafson issued the following statement: “I have gotten to know Steve and Cheri through Sid, and it absolutely broke my heart what happened to Cheri.
“Over the years, Sid and I have entertained the idea of doing something together again, but since we have both been busy with our own respective projects, the time was never right. However, I thought about it and felt…What could possibly be more special than to collaborate again on something that could help someone who has always been the first to help others? So I contacted Sid and told him what I wanted to do, and when the conversation came to whom else to ask, John’s (Gallagher, Raven bassist / vocalist) name was the first that came to mind. Not only is John a pioneer in the NWOBHM, he is also a former labelmate, and an extremely talented musician and songwriter, so we contacted John, and he committed as soon as he heard why we wanted to do this.”
Gallagher shared the following words, meanwhile: “I’ve known Sid since his Battlezone days… We did a blues session back in the ’90s, causing the producer much consternation by playing Rainbow songs! When he approached me for this project, I immediately wanted in as it’s for a damn good cause… And with Bobby on board, it’s gonna kick ass!”
The goal is for all involved – including recording studios, mixing, and mastering – to donate their services, so that 100% of sales will go towards Cheri’s medical fund.
Writing is scheduled to begin during November 2015, with a tentative early 2016 release date being slated.
