D.R.I.'s SPIKE CASSIDY: SPIKEFEST 2006 Benefit Concerts Update

The organizers of Spikefest 2006, a series of events designed to raise money for D.R.I. guitarist Spike Cassidy, who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer, have sent the following update to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"Spikefest was started by two friends to raise money for our friend Spike Cassidy from D.R.I.Spike was diagnosed with colon cancer in early 2006, and has been incapacitated for most of the year.

"Our original concept was to utilize the resources most readily available to us: bands, venues, and music fans. Originally all the Spikefest shows were going to be held on one day. We extended this to include the whole weekend — Friday (Nov. 3),Saturday (Nov. 4),Sunday (Nov. 5). We have 26 scheduled on those 3 days. Most of them are in the U.S., with a few in Europe.

"We had the kick-off show in Long Beach [on Oct. 22]. Everyone had a great time and all the bands were awesome. We had ex-and present D.R.I. members put together a D.R.I. tribute band. They had friends join them from THE ADOLESCENTS, VERBAL ABUSE, ELECTIC FRANKENSTEIN, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, etc. It was so cool! They played for about half hour or so and were amazing! GANG GREEN flew in from Boston and ended the show with their usual unique brand of controlled chaos!

"We still have offers for more shows coming in and obviously we need to cut this off at some point. What we have decided to do is this: Anyone who would like to host a Spikefest event has until the end of the year. We have several markets that are having their benefit show in conjunction with a Christmas event, the proceeds, of course, coming to Spikefest. Any interested parties can contact me directly at [email protected] or [email protected]. We can help with general info, booking issues, contacting performers, and whatever other issues they may have.

"After January 1, 2007, Spikefest will be changing both its format and its function. Spikefest 2006 will be becoming a foundation to assist sick musicians all over the world. This will be headed by several Spikefest committee members with Spike Cassidy being directly involved. The support and success of Spikefest 2006 has inspired all of us, including Spike. We would like to try to offer other musicians some of the help and support that we have seen coming from the music committee world-wide.

"Part of our foundation will offer help to anyone who's thinking about organizing a benefit show to raise money for a sick musician. We hope to help venues, fans, bands and promoters a way to make contact with one another. We will eventually offer a database that can be accessed to make the right connections in any market around the world. We will also have a financial fund attached to this project. We are in the process of securing 501(c)(3) non-profit status and this portion of our foundation will be classified as a charity. Contributions will obviously be tax-deductable and we hope to make this an attractive way for people all over the world to show their appreciation for the many musicians that need help.

"The final part of our organization will be involved with coordinating and presenting our annual benefit shows. We will be sticking with the concept that we came up with this year. All the events will be held during a three-day weekend period. By securing the same weekend every year we hope to make this a permanent installment in the live music calendar. This will offer a universal focal point for our endeavors and is 100% inclusive of everyone, no matter where or who.

"We have not yet decided upon a name for our foundation. We will probably open a forum and ask for suggestions to be sent in for name that we can use. Spike Cassidy has inspired us to provide a way for music fans all over the world to help and support their heroes."

For more information on Spikefest 2006, visit www.spikefest2006.com or www.myspace.com/spikefest06.