Drowning Pool to play with TV talent show Bodies singer, 82

John Hetlinger
Hetlinger sings Bodies on TV

Drowning Pool fan John Hetlinger, 82, who sang the band’s trademark track Bodies on America’s Got Talent, will guest with the band this week.

Hetlinger’s game show performance went viral after the retired US Navy pilot – who also worked on the Hubble space telescope repair programme – indulged his love for the band on TV. Over 8.3 million people have viewed the clip to date.

Now Drowning Pool, who last month said they wanted to tie up with him, have confirmed he’ll take part in their performance at Chicago Open Air on July 15 at 2pm.

Hetlinger says: “I’m really amped-up. We’re going to have a blast together – let the bodies hit the floor!”

Drummer Mike Luce adds: “On rare occasions servicemen have joined us on stage. But we’ve never shared the stage with an 82-year-old veteran, crushing Bodies. It’s going to be crazy throwing down with him!”

Guitarist CJ Pierce’s father-in-law served in the navy, bassist Stevie Benton’s dad is a veteran of Vietman, and Luce’s brother currently serves.

The band’s Chicago Open Air appearance is part of a continuing US tour.

Drowning Pool remaining tour dates 2016

Jul 15: Chicago Open Air, IL
Jul 16: Mansfield Ink In The Clink, OH
Jul 24: Auckland Kings Arms, New Zealand
Jul 26: Adelaide The Gov, Australia
Jul 28: Brisbane Max Watts, Australia
Jul 29: Camperdown Manning Bar, Australia
Jul 30: Melbourne Max Watts, Australia
Jul 31: Perth Capitol, Australia
Aug 13: Brownfield 4B Wild West Bike Rally, TX
Aug 19: Glen Flora Northwoods Rock Rally, WI
Sep 10: Moline iWireless Center, IL

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Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.