After a harrowing two years filled with health problems that have even lead to being put on life support at times, Mike IX Williams, the frontman for beloved sludge metal band EYEHATEGOD, announced that his liver transplant has been successful. Williams’ wife had started a YouCaring page to help alleviate medical costs and living expenses in November of last year, which was met with great support from the community.
While Williams recovers, EYEHATEGOD has announced a benefit for Mike IX Williams, called the IX LIVES IX LIVES FOR THE SICK benefit. Taking place February 3rd through the 5th in Williams’ hometown of New Orleans, the events will be held at Siberia and Poor Boys, with renown artists such as Superjoint, Crowbar, Goatwhore, Thou, Child Bite, Flesh Parade, Classhole, solo sets by Jimmy Bower and Bruce Lamont as well as EYEHATEGOD with special guest singers. EYEHATEGOD will be in good hands during the shows, with friends of the band Randy Blythe of Lamb of God and legendary Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo, Ben Falgoust of Goatwhore, Bruce Lamont of Corrections House, Hollise Murphy and Shawn Knight filling in for Williams so that he can focus on recovery as the band continues to perform and tour.
Nate Burns of Revolting Worship designed the official benefit admat, and posters will be available at the show for sale. Some will even be signed by all the bands and raffled off, with all proceeds going to Williams. Burns commented, “It was an absolute honor to contribute art to this incredible event as a thank you to Mike IX Williams and EYEHATEGOD whom have played a pivotal role in exposing me to the music and visual art that has inspired me in my own creative endeavors for years.”
IndieMerch set up a webpage where the poster and t-shirt with Burns’ art can be purchased with all the proceeds going directly to Williams. “Mike has been breaking ground in extreme music for as long as any of us here have been involved in the scene,” said Karim Peter, IndieMerch artist relations. “It has been inspiring to see the friends and fans he has gathered in the past twenty-five-plus years come together behind him in his time of need and we’re honored to be involved in aiding with the cause. We wish Mike a speedy recovery so he can return to his life and his art.”
You can buy tickets for the event here. Check out the official benefit poster below.
UPDATE (1/13): The daily lineup has been announced.
IX Lives IX Lives For The Sick Benefit:
Friday – February 3rd, 2017
Siberia (Doors: 8:00pm; $20)
Crowbar
Goatwhore
Flesh Parade
Somethings Burning
Gristnam
Saturday – February 4th, 2017
Poor Boys (Day Show – Doors 2:00pm; $10)
Thou
Weather Warlock
Mountain Of Wizard
Fat Stupid Ugly People
Dummy Dumpster
Siberia (Doors: 8:00pm; $20)
Eyehategod
Superjoint
Child Bite
Bower
Bruce Lamont
A Hanging
Sunday – February 5th, 2017
Poor Boys (Doors: 3:00pm; $10)
Suplecs
Pallbearers
Die Rottz
Classhole
Lethal Aggression
Recluse