Friends:

I have been negligent in posting at my site for the past 3 weeks, as my life has taken an unexpected twist. I have been entirely consumed by a deeply personal project and haven’t felt right updating to “promote” any of my own ventures at JBTV, Angels & Kings and elsewhere.

I can’t possibly explain the range of emotions that have come along with this project. Nor can I possibly thank enough those who have joined me in the fight. I can, however, share an overview of what has happened.

with matthew and madina lake at a soccer match in sheffield, UK

One of my dearest friends on the planet, Madina Lake bassist, Matthew Leone, was the victim of an assault at the beginning of July.

Matthew came to the aid of a woman being physically assaulted by her husband on the 1300 block of West Ohio Street. After intervening and calling Chicago police, Matthew was beaten by the man and left unconscious in the street. His brain injuries were so severe that multiple surgeries have been required to remove and reattach portions of his skull. In March, while I was on tour with the band in Europe, Matthew’s health insurance lapsed, leaving him financially uncovered in this horrific situation. He is currently recovering at home.

with matthew and jeezi in paris

In the days following the attack on Matthew, I co-founded Through the Pain – a non-profit benefit alliance created by Matthew’s friends in support of his yet untold medical, legal and rehabilitation costs. Partnering with Sweet Relief, a non-profit charity that maintains a financial fund from which professional musicians can draw from when in need of medical care or financial assistance, we are holding a series of benefit concerts, auctions and special events.

The first concert features an acoustic set from Nathan and Mateo of Madina Lake and performances by AM Taxi, The Fold, The Lifeline and David Costa takes place at Double Door (21+) on Saturday, August 21st. Tickets are available HERE.

The second show will be held at Hard Rock Hotel Chicago (21+) on Sunday, August 22nd. The lineup includes The Lovehammers, Kill Hannah, Scott Lucas of Local H, Makeshift Prodigy and The Frantic.  In addition to hosting the concert, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago has created an exclusive room offer whereby the hotel will donate $15 for every room booked during the entire month of August. Tickets for this show go on sale Saturday (7/31) at 10 AM via www.throughthepain.org. Prices for each show are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

In addition to organizing these and other benefit shows, we have launched a big-ticket, International auction which is currently being held through eBay and can be directly accessed via www.throughthepain.org.  Notable auction items include: a one-of-a-kind Lego sculpture commissioned by Pete Wentz for his Clandestine Industries clothing line, a prototype Washburn guitar built exclusively for Dan Donegan of Chicago-based band Disturbed – signed and donated by Dan himself and a signed platinum record from the band A Perfect Circle’s debut, platinum record Mer De Noms.

For the most updated list of active items available, click HERE.

Direct cash donations can also be made to Matthew Leone’s Sweet Relief fund through www.throughthepain.org. As of today, Wednesday July 28th, our Sweet Relief fund is over $34,000. 100% of this money will go directly to Matthew.

There are a million and one things I would like to add, but I wouldn’t even know where to begin. If you have helped Matthew in any way, please know that you are changing his life and the world for the better. I speak for the Leone family, Madina Lake and myself when I say that we are eternally grateful to have experienced such selfless love from people around the world.

Thank you infinitely,

Ryan Manno