HAIL MARY is a project and the brainchild of former OVERKILL guitarist Bobby Gustafson, formed for the purpose of writing, recording and releasing a single tentatively titled “To Hell and Back”, with 100% of proceeds going to The Cheri Pogue Medical Fund.
On July 11, 2015, Cheri (Goodale) Pogue was enjoying a charity motorcycle ride with her husband, Steve Pogue (guitarist of INFECTUS 13, which also features former OVERKILL and BATTLEZONE drummer Sid Falck) and friends, when tragedy struck. Cheri was involved in an accident that severed her left foot. Eventually, her left leg was amputated below the knee.
Explains Gustafson: “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 adds: “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 plan is for everyone involved — from recording studios, mixing, mastering — to donate their services, so that 100% of sales will go to Cheri’s medical fund.
Writing is scheduled to begin in November 2015, with a tentative early 2016 release date.
For more information, go to this location.
Source: Blabbermouth
