Overkill guitarist Dave Linsk to sit out U.S. tour due to ‘personal reasons’; Phil Demmel to step in

Overkill frontman Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth has confirmed to the Chicago Tribune that guitarist Dave Linsk will sit out the band’s March 2022 U.S. tour due to “personal reasons” and will be temporarily replaced by former Machine Head and current Vio-Lence guitarist Phil Demmel.

We’ve used Phil in the past when we’ve had issues. We’re prepared. We’re ready. It’s not about the strength of the individual but about the strength of the unit. We found that out with Phil when he stepped in.

It’s just nice to be able to do what you do whether you’re the concertgoer or whether you’re the concert performer. Let’s get back to normal. Let’s do what we do best. Let’s have a little bit of fun.

Overkill frontman Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth

Demmel previously filled in for Linsk at Overkill‘s November 13, 2021 concert at The Wellmont Theater in Montclair, New Jersey. The gig marked Overkill‘s first pandemic-era performance — “609 f!!kin’ days” after they were supposed to play the same venue before the coronavirus pandemic forced everything to shut down.