Thrash Metal Veterans Unite For 'Heal As One' Benefit Concert For DEATH ANGEL Co-Founder DENNIS PEPA

Some of thrash metal's most influential musicians will unite on Sunday, January 24, 2027, for "Heal As One: A Benefit For Dennis Pepa", a special concert at San Francisco's DNA Lounge supporting the DEATH ANGEL co-founder in his battle with Stage 4 duodenal cancer.

The event will feature "An Evening With Friends", an all-star gathering of musicians from across the metal community. Scheduled to appear are current and former members of EXODUS, SLAYER, DEATH ANGEL, TESTAMENT, FORBIDDEN, DRAIN, HEATHEN, NEVERMORE, VAIN, SACRILEGE B.C., SKINLAB and D.R.I.

Thrash metal veterans HIRAX will appear as very special guests, with additional performers and a special guest emcee to be announced.

A founding bassist and vocalist of DEATH ANGEL, Pepa helped shape the San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal movement that influenced generations of musicians worldwide. Now, the community he helped build is coming together to support him.

The evening will open with San Francisco punk band P.O.S. (PRODUCT OF SOCIETY),fronted by Dennis's son Roman Pepa. Dennis's side project, BIG SHRIMP, will join P.O.S. to close their set, bringing two generations of the Pepa family's musical legacy together onstage.

The event will also feature a special pop-up shop from Nomadic Inc., a venture founded by Dennis and his fiancée, Gema, offering organic tinctures, throat sprays, and other specialty products.

Additional special guests and performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

The official "Heal As One" concert poster features original artwork by renowned Bay Area rock artist Mark DeVito, whose work includes projects for EXODUS, LEGACY (later TESTAMENT),METALLICA, MOTÖRHEAD and THE ROLLING STONES. The poster also features a custom, hand-drawn Dennis Pepa logo by Ashley Mitchell of VAIN, the artist responsible for DEATH ANGEL's iconic original logo. Together, the artwork celebrates the history of Bay Area thrash metal while honoring one of its founding musicians.

Diagnosed with Stage 4 duodenal cancer in early 2026, Pepa faces mounting medical and living expenses following the unexpected loss of his longtime employment.

Proceeds from the benefit will help support Dennis, his fiancée Gemalyn, and his sons Maddox and Roman.

In addition to live performances, the evening will feature exclusive benefit merchandise, auctions, fundraising activities, and opportunities for direct donations.

Fans unable to attend will also have opportunities to participate through merchandise offerings and benefit auctions or raffles. Additional details will be announced soon.

Supporters can contribute immediately through the official fundraising campaign.

Tickets for "Heal As One: A Benefit For Dennis Pepa" can be purchased at this location.