Punk Rock Legends D.I. Hold Benefit Concert For Guitarist's Cancer Treatment

California punk-rock legends D.I. will host a cancer benefit tonight (Thursday, February 21) at the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, CA. The money raised from the show will go towards the treatment of D.I. guitarist CHKN (a.k.a. Craig Jewett) cancer. Jewett was diagnosed with throat cancer in November of 2007 and does not have medical insurance.

"I'm sitting here at home and I go to MySpace, my inbox has 20 or 30 messages. I just want to say thanks so much for all the kind words, offers to help and prayers," says CHKN. "I am really amazed at all the attention, and I'm at a loss for words, because I don't feel like they will truly express my gratitude. If I don't personally get back to your message please, please do not be offended, it's just that I get a little overwhelmed and don't feel too good most of the time."

He continues: "I was diagnosed with throat cancer in November. Julie (my wife) and I don't have insurance, we are however very fortunate and own a home that we can get a loan on, and also have access to some money. The place, Orange Coast Oncology in Newport Beach that was treating me, decided two days before my chemo was supposed to start that they 'were not comfortable' treating a patient without insurance that was trying to pay cash. In other words, 'go die, you don't have enough money.' Fortunately, St Joseph's Hospital in Orange responded to my phone calls and has agreed to treat me with a promise to pay, and a large sum of money upfront. The total approximate cost for all this is $250,000.

"My throat cancer has spread to my lymph glands and a tumor has formed on my lymph node on my neck, still, in stage 3, the doctors say that with chemo, radiation, dental work and possibly surgery, I will be fine.

"D.I. will continue to play based on how good or bad I react to the chemo and radiation.

I, like many of you, already know what a bad day feels like, and a bad day is no match for being punk rock and tough as fuck.

"Again, I love you, and just pay attention to what's important and don't take things for granted, because you never know when life has a knife and wants to fight.”

D.I. has just released a new album, "On the Western Front", through Suburban Noize Records.

Considered to be punk pioneers, D.I. have remained in the scene by staying true to the Orange County punk sound and attitude that inspired them. After forming in 1982, D.I. was first thrust into the limelight when they performed "Richard Hung Himself" in the 1984 film "Suburbia", directed by Penelope Spheeris, and was later covered by SLAYER on their 1996 album "Undisputed Attitude".

D.I.'s latest album, "On the Western Front", delivers a lethal injection of the hard-hitting, controversial punk rock that the group helped pioneer.

The band has started the "Fuck The Whales Save A Chckn" fund and are accepting donations towards CHCKN's medical expenses through PayPal/credit card at this location.