The "2nd Annual Rockers Against Cancer Show" held at the Key Club in Hollywood on Saturday January 5, 2013, celebrated the lives of those who lost their battles with cancer, supported those who are fighting cancer, and raised money for cancer research to fight a disease that touches us all, directly or indirectly through a friend or loved one.
This was the 2nd Annual show, having been created last year by Music Promoter Rob "Hollywood" Sherriff, whose brother had lost his battle with cancer. Rob Sherriff is a well established Hollywood Music Promoter with a long history of relationships with famous and up and coming Rockers he has forged over time. These relationships and the cause resulted in a once in a lifetime line up consisting of: Lordz of Rock (featuring Robin McAuley - lead singer for MSG, Robert Sarzo - guitarist for Hurricane & Ozzy Osbourne, Phil Soussan - bassist for Billy Idol, Ozzy Osbourne, Vince Neil, & more, Myron Grombacher - drums for Pat Benatar & Rick Derranger, and Teddy "Zigzag" Andreadis - keyboardist for Carole King, Guns 'N Roses, Alice Cooper, and more), Mandy Lion's War Machine featuring Roy Z (Mega Producer and guitarist for Rob Halford & Bruce Dickinson), Lez Warner (drummer for The Cult), Jimmy Bain (bassist for Rainbow & Dio), and guitarist Tony Aleman, the legendary triple axe attacking LEATHERWOLF, the All Star packed Hollywood Hustlers (featuring Ira Black - Lizzy Borden & Metal Church, Andrew Freemen - The Offspring & Lynch Mob, Marten Andersson - Lynch Mob & Lizzy Borden, David Victor - Boston, Joe Retta - Sweet, Bobby Blotzer - Ratt, Lonny Pasillas - Emminent, Armand Meinbardis - Vio7, Luciano Pavarotti, and Rob Rock, Carlos Bates Cruz - Stonebreed, and Chuck Wright - Quiet Riot & House of Lords, Octane Mob, Stonebreed, Rogue Stallion, and White Lie.
This night was filled with memorable performances by Hollywood Rock legends and Legends in the making. The All Star bands Lordz of Rock and the Hollywood Hustlers brought together talent rarely seen on stage together. I must give credit to Joe Retta, vocalist for the band Sweet and performing with the Hollywood Hustlers. His renditions of Ronnie James Dio songs made me think that Ronnie had been resurrected from the dead and his spirit had taken over Mr. Retta. The Legendary Ronnie James Dio lost his battle with cancer almost 3 years ago, but his spirit and music was given life by these two All Star bands.
Although not a All Star band, Mandy Lion's newly formed band was packed with All Stars. Being a Mandy Lion fan already, it was a dream come true to see drummer Lez Warner (The Cult), bassist Jimmy Bain (Rainbow & Dio), guitarist Tony Aleman, & Producer/Guitarist Roy Z comprising his band. Mandy Lion has played with Rock Royalty before including George Lynch, Vinny Appice, & countless others, but to see him re-united with Jimmy Bain plus the addition of Lez Warner and Roy Z was magic.
Performances by LEATHERWOLF, Octane Mob, Stonebreed, Rogue Stallion, and White Lie were all amazing and worthy of praise and admiration. A full review of each performance would make this article much too lengthy, but I do want to give special mention to White Lie & Stonebreed for non performance actions. Every band throughout the night had great respect for the cause and those hosting it, and each band acknowledged this on stage, but the words and actions of White Lie and Stonebreed were especially poignant. White Lie paid its respects to its former drummer who lost his battle with cancer and celebrated a fan currently fighting cancer. Stonebreed raised awareness for children fighting cancer and donated $500 to the cause, while challenging other bands to match or surpass their donation.
Rob Sherriff created this event in memory of his brother and to fight cancer, but he would be first to admit it takes a strong team of individuals to organize an event of this stature. This event was presented by Hollywood Sherriff Productions, The Cancer Research Foundation & Kind for Cures, K.F.C., and MMJ Collective. Marquee events like this also require sponsors, which included Rock 'n Roll GangStar Apparel, Kruzin' Kenny, Aquarian Drum Heads, Spider Energy Drink, KNAC Rock Radio, Green Cross LAX, TLMD, guitar donation by Schecter (signed by the bands and raffled off to a very lucky winner), and the musical talents of some of the greatest musicians in not just SoCal, but the entire world.
As a fan of Music this was a once in a lifetime show. As a brother of a sister currently fighting cancer, this cause is personal to me. Thank You Rob Sherriff for honoring your fallen brother, celebrating life, and raising money to fight the "Big C" - which benefits everyone reading this article.
Written by: Wes Anderson with Melissa Anderson, http://www.ROCKwellUnScene.com
Photography by: Rockwell Anderson Media (Melissa and Wes Anderson)
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