Charity bash in Pantera guitarist’s memory comes to N.J.
This December will mark the 13th anniversary of one of the most senseless and tragic acts in rock history. Former Pantera guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott had just taken the stage with his new band Damageplan at a show in Columbus, Ohio, when a crazed gunman rushed the stage and shot him three times in the head at point blank range. Darrell was killed instantly.
The following year, the first annual Ride for Dime event was arranged by Darrell’s friends and family to keep his memory alive. The organization has now grown to having chapters nationwide including Texas, Philadelphia, Chicago, Nashville and the United Kingdom.
Now, the first ever East Coast Tri-State chapter charity event and concert is set to take place at New Jersey’s Starland Ballroom on Saturday, Aug. 26. Doors will open at noon sharp and tickets are on sale now for $25 ($30 day of show) for what organizers promise to be, “a full day of fun for all ages.”
Proceeds will go to two major non-profit charities. First is MusiCares, which was established by the Recording Academy in 1989 and dedicated to providing confidential emergency health and human services and addiction recovery to music people in need. The second is Marines Care, a charity founded in memory of LCPL Chris Cosgove III, providing benevolent assistance to wounded military members, those on active duty, and veterans nationwide, plus their families.
The special guest hosts for the Ride for Dime event will include comedian Don Jamieson, heavy metal personalities and reality stars Adam Poch, Jennifer “Jenncity” Arroyo and Natalie Jansen, alt-model and TV personality Marilyn Mansfield, and Mistress Juliya.
The concert portion of the event will feature tristate talents Thy Will Be Done, the first performance of Silvertomb, featuring members of Type O Negative, Danzig and Agnostic Front, Frost Coalition, with members of Danzig and Savatage, Black Water Rising and Ikillya, Alekhine’s Gun, which includes “Orange Is the New Black” star Jessica Pimentel. Other acts included will be Hammerfight, Lethal Affection, Negative Sky, Common Wealth, Throwdown Syndicate, Kalopsia, Whiskey Time Machine, Palaceburn, Apparition and Enigma Machine. The night will also include an All-Star Jam featuring John DeServio of Black Label Society, Johnny Kelly from Type O Negative and Danzig, Bob Pantella of Monster Magnet, Marc Rizzo from Soulfly and many, many more.
An auction will take place and will feature items including gift certificates to restaurants of celebrity chef Chris Santos, and merchandise items from Hatebreed, All That Remains, Lamb of God, art from Marilyn Mansfield and Joey James, and others. More auction items will be added between now and the day of the event.
“I feel honored to be surrounded by talented and caring people who love music and who loved Darryl as a musician, but also loved what he stood for throughout his life,” said Ride for Dime organizer and God Forbid drummer Corey Pierce in a statement. “This event is a step in strengthening the metal family while showing our admiration and respect for one of metals greatest legends and I am so happy to be a part of it.”
“We are honored to be a part of this wonderful evening — so much so that we broke our hiatus to participate in raising money and awareness for these great charities, especially MusiCares who helped us out after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy ruined our music equipment and studio,” Pimentel says. “We look forward to enjoying all the bands and fans and having a great time. Getcha’ pull for Dimebag Darrell!”
“I’m really looking forward to taking part in the upcoming Ride for Dime show!” Johnny Kelly enthused. “I’ve had the privilege of playing at other RFD shows in the past, but getting to do it in my hometown will be even more fun! It’s all for a good cause and I’m always happy to be a part of anything that helps preserve Dime’s legacy.”
VIP packages are available, and include a ticket to Ride for Dime East Coast, VIP laminate, admission to the pre-party at Dingbatz which includes complimentary beverages for VIPs, who will also receive a Ride for Dime East Coast TriState chapter event t-shirt. VIP packages including all of the previously listed benefits are $100.