Metal Band SMOKE Hosts Book-Signing Benefit For Child Of Alrosa Villa Murder Victim

The 2004 murder of metal guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott shocked the music community, leaving a void in the hearts of all who love to rock. While much of the media attention was focused on Dime, he wasn't the only person murdered. Also killed at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio were DAMAGEPLAN security chief, Jeffery "Mayhem" Thompson, roadie and venue security member Erin Halk and fan, Nathan Bray. These three men sacrificed their lives to try to save Dimebag and protect others. With the release of the book "A Vulgar Display of Power: Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa Villa", the story of these three men and their heroism was brought to the forefront.

For the members of the Stamford, Connecticut-based heavy metal band SMOKE, the book's courageous yet tragic story struck a chord. Lead guitarist Craig "C-EZ" Sasson was moved by it and felt compelled to do something more than just read the book. Sasson had been heavily influenced by Dimebag and wanted to see if there was something he or his band could do to help the families of the victims. He dropped an e-mail to the book's author, Chris A.

"Craig's e-mail was inspiring. Here was this guitar player in Connecticut who wanted to do something to help people he'd never met and didn't know." related the author. Chris A. explained to Sasson that of the men murdered that fateful night only one, Nathan Bray, had a child and that for every book sold a portion of the proceeds was donated to the Anthony Bray College Fund. "I told him that I was working to organize benefit book signings where 100 percent of the proceeds went to the fund," related the writer. That was the cue the SMOKE guitarist was seeking and he immediately invited Chris A., to take advantage of a SMOKE performance in Clifton, New Jersey to use as a book signing benefit. "It was a no-brainer for me" related the author. "I've got a brother in Connecticut who I was planning to visit so I immediately agreed to make the journey."

On May 12, at Dingbatz in Clifton, New Jersey, Chris A. set up a small table and sold copies of "A Vulgar Display of Power" to friendly, interested fans. Bringing in the crowd that night were metal acts ANAKA, SINARIA and headliner SMOKE. "You know," related the writer, "this is just another example of the huge heart and generosity of the metal community. The members of SMOKE promoted the show with posters and flyers, enlisted other bands and worked up media interest all the while spending their own time and money." According to Chris A., the night was a complete success with dozens of books sold resulting in hundreds of dollars raised for four-year-old Anthony's college fund. "I have to tell you in complete candor that I was humbled by the support and kindness shown by the bands, the venue and the fans that wonderful evening in New Jersey. Craig, Angel, Jimmy, John and Gonzo, the members of SMOKE, should be incredibly proud of stepping up and truly helping out.

As for the music, Chris said, "SMOKE is the real deal and I have no doubt that if Dimebag Darrell, Erin Halk, Jeff Thompson and Nathan Bray were watching over the event they were banging their heads and rocking out. This is a band that is going places."

For more information on SMOKE, visit www.smoketheband.com.