July 12, 2010 Madina Lake's Bass Player Matthew Leone is a Hero.
I’d like to take a moment to step away from our regularly scheduled programming of marketing, PR, fan funding, digital downloads, the future of the music business, what works for an artist and what doesn’t to thank one artist in particular for reminding us what is most important.
WE ARE.
One week ago Matthew Leone, bass player for the Chicago based band Madina Lake was rushed to the hospital after incurring several broken bones and head trauma when he heroically intervened in a domestic dispute between a husband and wife near his home.
His twin brother Nathan posted this on the Madina Lake blog:
“I’m afraid I have some of the worst news that has ever hit our lives. It’s almost impossible to even type this update. A few nights ago, Matthew walked from my apt. a block and a half down the street to meet a friend for a drink. half way there he saw a man severely beating his wife. Being the most amazing, strong, heroic and incredible person I know… even though the guy was twice his size, Matthew intervened. He managed to subdue this guy for a second and since his wife was beat up pretty good called the cops…as he did so the guy jumped him from behind and beat him. This guy did things I can’t even type. After words, he and his beaten wife left Matthew unconscious on the street. Matthew is in the hospital with a third of his skull removed as we wait for the swelling in his brain to go down. I’d rather not share any additional information at this time besides the fact that he acted as a hero (as he always would in any of these situations) and is paying a horrific price.”
Coincidentally, Madina Lake was in the middle of a fan-funding project to raise money for their upcoming album but now they are raising money for a very different reason.
I sit on the board of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund who is helping with Pledge music to raise funds for Matthew. Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. I urge you to come and make a donation to this hero.
Donate here:
http://www.bit.ly/matthewleonefund
Follow Nathan (Matthews twin brother and lead singer of the band) as he posts updates: http://madinaswan.tumblr.com/
The most recent update is they have taken Matthew home to rest between surgeries and his fight will continue.
This was posted today:
“I’ve learned more about humanity in the past 6 days than I had my entire life. Sometimes it’s easy to get down on the world, people, life, life-situation, yourself, whatever…. especially when something like this happens. But the overwhelming reaction we’ve gotten from the community that has rallied around Matthew has proven how lucky we are to have all of you in our lives. Aside from the calls, texts, emails, gifts and well wishes, we’ve heard of groups/organizations being created to bring awareness to domestic violence, violence against women and violence in general.. there are benefits being put together, auctions, special events, donation inquiries, etc. It’s truly extraordinary… Thank you. You guys keep up the positive energy and I swear I’ll do everything in my power to get him back to 100% ASAP. You’ll never know how grateful we are… all the love in the world.”
Matthew, Nathan, & Madina Lake from all of us at Music Think Tank we wish you love support and strength.
Blog: http://madinaswan.tumblr.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/madinaLake
Reader Comments (3)
My thoughts are with you, dude. Hope you have a speedy recovery.
Wow, that's pretty sad
I have to say, I don't think there are many people around today who would have the balls to step up in a situation like that. It's heartbreaking that this is how he was repaid for being a good person. I'll definitely be donating.