When you think of the hardcore music scene, a thoughtful and tight-knit community of artists might not be the first image that comes to mind. But on Sunday, Tucson’s hardcore musicians will show their softer side in support of one of their own. Local bands Days of Struggle, Dead Hours, Injury and Step Aside will play a benefit show for Sam Abate, 23, the drummer of the band Condemned.
Abate, who is well known for his passion and involvement in Tucson’s hardcore music community, was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident on May 20. He was riding his bike on North Swan Road when he was struck by a car. The driver pulled over momentarily, but then sped off. The driver, Abigail A. Allin, was later arrested on several charges, including suspicion of leaving the scene, causing serious injury with a vehicle, driving under a suspended license and tampering with physical evidence. She was uninsured.
Michael Gonzales, a close friend of Abate, described the way that the accident has brought local musicians together. He explained Abate’s impact on Tucson music, and why so many artists want to raise money for his recovery.
“”(Abate) is completely devoted to performing the music that he loves, and bringing bands to the area so that we might have the opportunity to fall in love with a band we’ve never heard,”” Gonzales said. “”He has, for years, been devoted to the do-it-yourself philosophy of music through handing out flyers by hand, calling venues directly and sticking with the bands without representation.””
There have already been other benefit shows in Abate’s honor, including one in California and two in Phoenix. Abate’s friends also put together a 27-song collection of local music called “”The Good Sam Compilation”” to raise additional funds.
This weekend’s benefit show will be held at Jacob’s YMCA on Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are a $10 donation. There will also be a raffle with prizes provided by many local businesses.
””There will be things in (the raffle) ranging from band merch, to an exclusive print by local tattoo artist Marc Nava (from the Staring Without Caring Tattoo Shop) and even two guitars donated by Fender,”” said Ryan Bram, Abate’s friend.
The Abate family will use donation money in order to help pay for medical expenses, said Graham Abate, Sam Abate’s brother.
For more information, visit www.projectnoiseaz.com or
www.helpingsam.net.
