Leone's brain injuries were so severe that multiple surgeries have been required. The musician does not have medical insurance and is currently recovering at home.
Leone's friends and musicians from all over Chicago, including the Smashing Pumpkins, have been raising money to help pay for his medical, legal and rehabilitation costs. They have created Through the Pain, a non-profit benefit alliance and formed a partnership with Sweet Relief, a non-profit charity that maintains a financial fund for professional musicians who need medical care or financial assistance. They have teamed up to sponsor a series of benefit concerts, auctions and special events.
The next two benefit concerts take place this weekend. A third will be held next month.
The benefit on Saturday, August 21 features an acoustic set from Nathan and Mateo of Madina Lake and performances by AM Taxi, The Fold, The Lifeline and David Costa. The show starts at 8 p.m. at Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee, Chicago; 773.489-3160.
The second show will be held at Hard Rock Hotel Chicago on Sunday, August 22 at 8 p.m. The lineup includes Marty Casey and The Lovehammers, Kill Hannah, Scott Lucas of Local H, Makeshift Prodigy and The Frantic. In addition to hosting the concert, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago has created an exclusive room offer where $15 will be donated to the Leone fund for every room booked during the month of August.
Ticket sales are available at www.throughthepain.org or at the door. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. You must be at least 21 years old to attend the shows.
A silent auction will be held at both shows, with items and services donated by a wide range of local businesses. A big-ticket, international auction is currently being held through eBay and can be directly accessed via www.throughthepain.org. Notable auction items include: a one-of-a-kind Lego sculpture commissioned by Pete Wentz for his Clandestine Industries clothing line; a prototype Washburn guitar built exclusively for Dan Donegan of Chicago-based band Disturbed, signed and donated by Dan himself, and a signed platinum record from the band A Perfect Circle's debut, platinum record Mer De Noms.
In addition, Chicago singer-composer Karlye Lapetina is holding another benefit concert from 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday, September 18 at Lamplighters, 60 N. Bothwell, Palatine. For tickets, visit http://www.wix.com/sheaff/MattLeone. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/karlyelapetina.
About Madina Lake
Madina Lake is a Chicago-based alternative rock band formed in 2005 by twin brothers Nathan and Matthew Leone, Mateo Camargo and Dan "Jeezi" Torelli. The band released their debut album "From Them, Through Us, To You" on Roadrunner Records in March, 2007 to worldwide critical acclaim, punctuated by winning Best International Newcomer at the 2007 Kerrang! Awards. Nathan and Matthew Leone gained further media recognition when they won $50,000 on a special edition of Fear Factor: Twins. Madina Lake used the prize money to self-fund the recording of their 2006 EP, "The Disappearance of Adalia." The band continues to tour the globe and will play alongside Mötley Crüe, Alice in Chains, Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper as part of the UK's Sonisphere Festival in the Summer of 2010. Following their Summer touring commitments, Madina Lake will complete work on their forthcoming EP, "The Dresden Codex," slated for an early 2011 release. For tour dates, band blogs, discography, videos, music and more, visit www.madinalake.com.
About Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
Founded in 1993, Sweet Relief is a non-profit charity headquartered in Huntington Beach, CA that provides financial aid to professional musicians in need of medical care or financial assistance. What began as a one-off CD release benefit for Victoria Williams, the charity has evolved into a donations-based general fund format, relying on contributions from artists and the public. Sweet Relief's fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling with their finances while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. For a list of events, supporters, and partners, or to donate, visit www.sweetrelief.org.
