Ex-MACHINE HEAD Drummer Sets Record Straight On TESTAMENT Poster Charity Auction

Former MACHINE HEAD and current SANGRE ETERNA drummer Chris Kontos has commented on the response from BLABBERMOUTH.NET detractors to a recent auction of an autographed TESTAMENT "Reunion Tour 2005" poster (featuring the original lineup: Chuck Billy, Eric Peterson, Alex Skolnick, Greg Christian and Louie Clemente, with special guest John Tempesta) in a specially customized frame designed by Chuck Billy. It's one of only two made — Chuck owns the other.

This collectable is being auctioned off to help raise money for a friend in need, Nathalie Malamatinis. You can read about her story at this location.

The auction started Monday, March 13 and ends on March 20.

For more information and to place a bid, click here.

Said Kontos: "Just had to come on and clear a few things up for everyone.

1. This is a really close friend of mine that got hurt. I set up the benefit with friends here in Oakland. Chuck was kind enough to offer this framed poster to help Nat. The comment 'rent is due' [by a BLABBERMOUTH.NET poster calling himself 'METAL-FOR-BREAKFAST'] is fucked and you need a good kick in the mouth.

2. If you have not had a chance to look at the thing that we have up on eBay, it is huge; glass, steel, aluminum, and is like 3' x 4'!!!! We want it to get to the persons house in one piece right? Right now the bid is at $471.60. That fucking rules and I hope it goes way up over the weekend so we can help Nat as much as possible!!!

3. Just the shipping was set (by a professional) to make sure it was safe and not damaged on its way to the winner! The 'suggested donation!' is bullshit. Auctions always start with a price, to weed out the unrealistic — '$7.95!!' It was just to cover that and only that.

"The [benefit] show was killer and the bands all had a fun night! The Metal Raffle did quite well. Phil [Demmel] and Dave [McClain] of MACHINE HEAD gave up really huge prizes. A snare drum that was right off Dave's kit!!!! A killer signed VIO-LENCE CD and poster set was the blessing from Phil, plus a 7" MACHINE HEAD picture disc pack with guitar picks, stickers, buttons and fully signed CD! The BC Rich 'Warlock' from Guitar Center, the DEATH ANGEL box set, 'Act lll' vinyl, and new CD from Ted of DEATH ANGEL and MUDFACE who played the show as well. The list of stuff was really fucking huge and many people won stuff and a good time for a good cause was had by all that night. So when I look in on Blabbermouth and see such disdain and bad vibes about the benefit/auction, it makes me sick!!!!

"Look — if you want to flame so bad that you would do so on something like this you are not worth my time BUT.....some of you seem like you think something funky will happen to the money or shit like that, put it to rest. I spent 13 days caring for Nat 24/7 and I won't let anything go wrong with the donations, trust me. I have been in close contact with Micheal Moore and his staff and I will be doing interviews with them for his upcoming movie that is all about medical nightmares like this. It is way bigger than I intended now and the eyes are well focused on every move so rest your little fingers and get out and do something to make a change in your world. Comments are fine, but ACTION IS MUCH BETTER!!!!

"Thank you for you time and much respect to those of you that understand were I'm coming from. And if you don't, BUGGER OFF!"