FROM BRAVEWORDS.COM: http://www.bravewords.com/news/129825

As previously reported, on January 16th drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER), bassist David Ellefson (HAIL!, ex-MEGADETH), singer Tim “Ripper” Owens (Hail!, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) and guitarist Phil Demmel (MACHINE HEAD) will be taking part in an an all-star jam to benefit the DEFTONES’ Chi Cheng (pictured) at the Slide Bar in Fullerton, CA at around 10pm. Cheng has been in a semi-conscious state since being involved in a horrific accident in November 2008, and his family has accumulated an overwhelming amount of medical bills that insurance does not entirely cover.

Ellefson has issued the following statement with regards to the event:

“When we were approached about playing this benefit we immediately wanted to contribute in any way we could to help Chi. When a tragic event such as this happens it serves as a very important reminder of how precious life is and while it puts music in perspective, it also provides the opportunity to use music as a potential way to help him and his family. We wish him the best and ask everybody to please come out, enjoy this special night of love and music and most importantly please donate generously.”

“Please know that this is not technically a HAIL! show per se because Andreas (Kisser, HAIL! and SEPULTURA guitarist) will not be with us on this one. Nevertheless, in the spirit of HAIL! a number of our good friends including Phil Demmel from Machine Head and Dave “Snake” Sabo from SKID ROW (and maybe some other surprises) have graciously stepped up to jam with us in his absence. Additionally, this will be Mike’s (Portnoy, Dream Theater sticksman and newest HAIL! drummer) first show playing with us so it will be a nice warm-up for our upcoming shows next week in New York (at BB King’s on January 26th) and Boston (at Showcase Live on January 27th). NAMM is always a lot of fun because it gives you a chance to see everybody and it’s just a cool laidback kind of hang, I’m looking forward to it.”

The event coincides with NAMM 2010, which takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California from January 14th – 17th.

(David Ellefson)

one love for chi,
gina

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