'A Night Of Mayhem' Benefit Concert Recap

Friday the thirteenth, 2007, was indeed "A Night of Mayhem" at the Lakewood Theater in north Dallas. THE HILLBILLY ORCHESTRA hosted writer/photographer Chris A., Alrosa Villa hero James Niggemeyer and several hundred guests at the third annual event. "A Night of Mayhem" commemorated the incredible life and ultimate sacrifice of DAMAGEPLAN security chief Jeffery "Mayhem" Thompson.

According to Mark John Sternal of MJS Music Publications, the benefit not only gave fitting tribute to Mayhem but also raised money to help treat and prevent mental illness.

MJS is the publisher of "A Vulgar Display of Power: Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa Villa", which tells the story of the men and the events leading to the horrific murders. Copies of the book were sold at the event and all proceeds have been allotted for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI),in loving memory of Jeffery "Mayhem" Thompson.

"It was a privilege for us to be in Dallas, among Mayhem and Darrell Abbott's friends, family and fans," said Sternal. "We met some incredible people who dearly loved Mayhem and Darrell. They treated us like family and took wonderful care of us. I simply can't say enough about the folks who welcomed us to Texas."

Two of Thompson's brothers, Seth and Martin (accompanied by his wife),attended the benefit. Also in attendance were members of DAMAGEPLAN's crew and Darrell Abbott's family. They were all there to pay homage to Mayhem, meet officer Niggemeyer and to meet and chat privately with author Chris A.

"I was very pleased with the benefit and I want to thank everyone who came out," said Chris A. "For me, coming to Dallas was very important and extremely emotional. I had several meaningful, positive and moving conversations with some amazing people. The weekend also provided me an opportunity to walk where Mayhem and Darrell walked, meet their friends and family, and visit the places they loved. These Texas folks certainly are hospitable. They party like no place on the planet and they have a passion and devotion to Abbott and Mayhem that is second to none."

Bands participating in the event included the aforementioned HILLBILLY ORCHESTRA, THE MOTHER TRUCK'N SKULL DIGGERS, 100 PROOF HATRED, and an acoustic metal set by Mark John Sternal. The bands not only generously contributed their time and talents, they also donated the door proceeds to charity in Mayhem's memory.

Thompson was murdered on-stage at the Alrosa Villa nightclub in Columbus, Ohio on December 8, 2004 as he tried to save the life of PANTERA and DAMAGEPLAN guitarist Darrell Abbott. Other victims included fan Nathan Bray and roadie Erin Halk. The men were slain by a paranoid schizophrenic, who was subsequently killed by officer Niggemeyer.