Hirax and Laaz Rockit Added To Thrash Against Cancer Show
San Francisco, CA - Los Angeles thrash metal veterans Hirax and the recently reunited ‘80s Bay Area thrashers
Laaz Rockit have been added to the Thrash Against Cancer benefit, which will be headlined by Testament, on July 9 at The Pound SF outdoor amphitheatre. Vicious Rumors, announced last week, will also take part in this historic gathering of Bay area musicians.
The proceeds from the show will aid in the financial
recovery for families dealing with life-altering medical diagnosis. Among the families that will benefit from the concert are Keith and Brandy Regan, whose son, Cole Regan, was born with cancer (leukemia / AML) and
survived up until three months short of his second birthday before passing away on July 28, 2004. The show will also help other families who have who have children with pediatric cancer and are in severe need of help. These families struggle on a daily basis to pay for medicine and
co-pays, not to mention household bills and other
expenses, to keep their hopes and futures at a
functioning level while battling to keep their child alive.
Keith Regan is a long-time fan of thrash metal and approached Testament’s vocalist Chuck Billy about the possibility of the band playing a benefit for his family and for other families who have children with pediatric cancer.
Billy brought the Regan’s request to the attention of
Walter Morgan, one of the organizers of the Thrash Of
The Titans show, and the benefit began to take shape.
“I am so honored to have all these amazing bands from
my past step up and play this show to aid my family,”
said Keith Regan. “The Bay Area has been my home all
my life and to have this opportunity for fans to see this
show in our home town is awesome.”
Although Hirax is from Los Angeles, the band considers
the Bay area their second home.
Hirax, has played there many times since 1984, sharing
the stage with Slayer, Exodus, DRI, Dark Angel, and
Cryptic Slaughter just to mention a few. These bands
helped to create the thrash metal scene and were instrumental in the genre’s worldwide popularity.
“Hirax is honored to be a part of this benefit,” said vocalist Katon W. De Pena. “When we were asked to play this
show, we did not hesitate to join forces with our brothers
and sisters from the Bay area. This benefit will prove that
the heavy metal community cares about the fans more than anything.”
HIRAX’s 2004 recording, “The New Age Of Terror,” will be released in the US this summer on Deep Six Records, and singer Katon W. De Pena’s label, Black Devil Records, will also release “Not Dead Yet,” a CD consisting of the band’s first two classic records “Raging Violence” and “Hate, Fear And Power.”
Laaz Rocket, formed in 1982, were a mainstay in the Bay area thrash scene for 9 years. Earlier this month, the original lineup reunited for the first time since 1991 to play 2 shows with Testament, including the prestigious Dynamo Festival in Holland. Their appearance at the Thrash Against Cancer benefit will be their first US show in over 14 years.
“We’re excited and honored to be a part of this show to help out such a worthy cause,” said guitarist Aaron Jellum. “It will be interesting to see all the old friends and fans again from the Bay area.”
Tickets for the Thrash Against Cancer benefit will go on sale Wednesday, June 1. The Pound amphitheater is located at 100 Cargo Way- Pier 96 (3rd St). This is an all ages event (21 years old w/ID to drink). Tickets are $40.00 in advance and will be available at The Pound SF’s box office (415-826-5009).
| 
