HAIL! singer Tim “Ripper” Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, ex-JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) recently spoke with Michael Gallucci from the Cleveland Scene about the recent abrupt departure of bassist Dave Ellefson and trying to find a replacement (Ellefson has returned to MEGADETH for the band’s upcoming Rust In Peace 20th Anniversary Tour). Hail is the allstar metal band composed of Owens, Jimmy Degrasso on Drums and Andreas Kisser on guitar.

“It puts a wrench in things,” says Owens, adding, “we’re not sure for now” whether Hail! shows in March and April will go on. Says the singer, it’s not simply a matter of finding someone who can play headbanger favorites from MOTÖRHEAD to METALLICA. “It’s a matter of whether the promoter wants it. They (want) a name-all-star metal band. We could fill the position, but not with a name nobody knows. We talked to some people, like Frank Bello (from ANTHRAX and HELMET). And anybody’s who’s a name is busy.”

Owens says that Hail was caught by surprise about the departure just as fans were.

“I gotta be honest,” says Owens. “I’m over the moon that he’s back in Megadeth. I think it’s a great thing for Megadeth, for Ellefson, and for Mustaine. Everybody’s happy for David. It’s just bad timing.” Hail has several shows scheduled European shows for March. Rumor has it that the band may use a rotation of bass players for these dates until a replacement might be found. So, metalheads, who do you think can replace Dave Ellefson in Hail? Post here and let us know!!!

March 17 – Istanbul, Turkey
March 18 – Eskisehir, Turkey
March 19 – Ankara, Turkey
March 20 – Izmir, Turkey
March 24 – Tallin, Estonia
March 25 – Helsinki, Finland
March 26 – Lahti, Finland
March 27 – Kouvola, Finland
March 28 – Imatra, Finland

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw_XR_XbqhM[/youtube]