Hetlinger:Open Air - Screen Shot 2016-07-22 at 4.53.02 PMWhen Drowning Pool’s latest album, Hellelujah, arrived earlier this year, radio played the band’s single, “By the Blood,” for a few weeks then moved on, some critics said some kind things about the new record and other industry wallflowers claimed they were “big fans of the band,” but neglected to act on it. Beyond a leg of a U.S tour and some dates overseas, very little resulted beyond that.

Then an octogenarian walked into their life.

America’s Got Talent has had its share of highs and lows, but one of its most recent highs has been the performance of 82-year-old, John Hetlinger. Hetlinger, a retired aerospace engineer, apparently has been a big fan of Drowning Pool’s signature song, “Bodies,” and had dreamed of performing the song. He got his chance on an AGT televised audition and has been a youtube darling ever since. While AGT decided not to advance Hetlinger to the next round (a missed opportunity on AGT’s part, perhaps?), a great opportunity for Drowning Pool was created.

The dynamic senior has breathed new life into Drowning Pool’s career and brought new attention to Hellelujah and the band reciprocated by inviting Hetlinger on stage recently at Chicago’s Open Air, where he and the band drew a most supportive and boisterous response during their performance of “Bodies.”

Oh, and rumor has it that the band’s record label, Entertainment One, has expressed renewed interest in promoting Hellelujah.

Hallelujah!