The rock and metal community, far from being uncaring Neanderthals, are actually a very giving and supportive bunch. This altruistic spirit will be abundantly clear on Friday night, when DARRENFEST hits Voodoo in the city centre.
Set up by Zlatanera bassist Anthony McKee, Darrenfest was created as ‘a fundrocking event for life saving treatment’. Said funds will go to local rocker Darren McKenna, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer just over a year ago. So far his treatment has been successful, but the next stage is a new and expensive treatment which is not available on the NHS.
Naturally upon hearing the news, the local community sprang into action: his GoFundMe page has received over £20,000 in donations to date, his brother is running the Belfast Marathon to raise money, quiz nights have been organised, and so on.
All of which brings us neatly to Darrenfest: a night of raffles, fundraising and three fantastic bands to shred your face off. First up will be venerable doom/sludge metallers Bad Boat, complete with new drummer Paul Gallagher and some brand spanking new songs to air. Following them will be the devilishly wicked Zlatanera, who will attempt to coax the audience over to the Dark Side with their doomy groove metal. And finally, continuing their remarkable ascent of late which has seen them support the likes of NWOBHM legends Angel Witch, absolutely slay the crowd at Siege of Limerick and headline gigs both here and abroad, Rabid Bitch of the North will top the evening off with what will no doubt be a sterling and electrifying performance.
So, three amazing bands and the chance to potentially save a young man’s life – you know what to do! RBOTN drummer Chris Condie told us that the band are “delighted to be helping out and contributing to such a great cause”, which we think tells you all that you need to know about just how generous rock and metal bands – and fans – are. See you there, front and centre.
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/805410556161282/
If you are unable to attend but still wish to donate, please go to Darren’s GoFundMe page here:
http://www.gofundme.com/help-Darren
