LAAZ ROCKIT Added To THRASH AGAINST CANCER Show

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 in San Francisco, California. VICIOUS RUMORS and HIRAX 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 longtime 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 Regans' request to the attention of Walter Morgan, the organizer 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, D.R.I., 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 U.S. 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 nine years. Earlier this month, the original lineup reunited for the first time since 1991 to play two shows with TESTAMENT, including the prestigious Dynamo Festival in Holland. Their appearance at the Thrash Against Cancer benefit will be their first U.S. 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) and at www.ticketfusion.com.

For more information, visit ThrashAgainstCancer.blogspot.com.