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The Straight Jackets will be performing a Hat Rocks Cancer show in January in support of bandmate Corey Beierbach.
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@MHNmocranker
Local rock group The Straight Jackets are hoping to put on the show of a lifetime in the new year.
On Oct. 17, guitarist Corey Beierbach was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer that begins within the brain.
“I was in Calgary when I heard Corey was being rushed to Calgary,” said vocalist Aaron Simpson. “I got to spend time with him before his emergency brain surgery and we did a lot of talking – after the surgery he was diagnosed with glioblastoma and we all realized how severe this really was.
“When we talked he made it clear he wanted to do one more big show – I took that idea, talked with the rest of the guys and we’ve come up with The Hat Rocks Cancer.”
The event is taking place Jan. 24 at the Esplanade – a venue that made perfect sense for the band. Proceeds from the evening will be split between the Margery E Yuill Cancer Centre and Beierbach’s trust fund.
“We wanted this to be a picture perfect show, to have all the lights going and a packed crowd,” he said. “The Esplanade is the perfect venue and we’re so happy to have it.”
Beierbach’s cancer is terminal and Simpson says his close friend can have anywhere from three to 24 months to live. Simpson says doctors believe Beierbach has lived with the cancer for around two years. Beierbach is working his way through chemotherapy in Calgary and the band is hoping he can be a full participant in the show.
“Looking back on the past, it’s clear that the cancer had a real impact on his mood and his playing,” said Simpson. “Now that he has had a big chunk of the one tumour removed, he is back to life again – it’s really hard to put into words.
“He’s back to ripping that guitar like he used to and we want to have a huge stage for him to shine on – to be the star.”
Other than The Straight Jackets, a number of other local groups will be contributing to the show, which is estimated to last a few hours.
3 Hole Punch, Age Gap, Alter Ego, Blind Monday, blurryisenough, Grunge Stars, KMAGYOYO, Mahoney, Phoenix, Shoulder of the Hunter, Snakes and the Riot, Taking August and the Warehouse Cats will make appearances during the night.
“We unfortunately have to prepare for a situation where Corey can’t perform – that’s when we decided to get other bands involved,” said Simpson. “You know, it’s a tough spot to be in, but in that situation he can at least sit in the crowd and enjoy a ton of great bands playing his favourite music.”
The Straight Jackets consist of Simpson, Beierbach, Todd Glock and Gary Straub – the band has been together for more than 10 years, with only one lineup change.
The concert will be three, 40-minute sets with two intermissions. During the intermissions there will be live music in the lobby as well as a silent auction.
The setlist is going to be a surprise for those going, but The Straight Jackets will be kicking off the night with a tribute to Elvis Presley – Beierbach’s favourite musician.
“There’s a big variety of music,” said Simpson. “There’s classic rock, new rock – it’s going to be a really special night for us and for everyone in attendance.”
The show is being put on by 105.3 Rock and Progressions Music Academy. Tickets are $25 and are on sale on http://www.tixx.ca.
