MM2 : SUMMER SLAUGHTER

SPRING & AIRBRAKE, BELFAST

26/8/2007

After noticing his friend was having a hard time with her illness, Michael Legge spawned the idea of a day filled with Irish metal to benefit a cause linked to her illness. With eight of the bands confirmed he told his friend Laura Kennedy about the gig which he'd set up to aid FMSNI (Fibromyalgia Support Northern Ireland) and in February of this year the gig was carried out under the name of the Valentines Day Massacre.

Supporting some of the biggest names on the local metal scene such as Residual Effect, Arcane and Bad Boat, the gig was a massive success, not only as a brilliant showcase of Irish metal but all in the aid of a fantastic charity close to the heart of co-organiser Laura Kennedy. The illness itself is a chronic pain syndrome characterised by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness, general fatigue and sleep disturbances. So although we may not see any physical elements to this illness, inside the sufferer's body, there's constant pain and discomfort that is not easily restrained, even with painkillers or medication. Overall the event was a major success and ultimately was worth the effort when they raised a fantastic £1,100 for FMSNI.

Due to the success of the Valentines Day Massacre, a Summer Massacre was announced to help another worthwhile charity and this one the MM2 : Summer Slaughter takes place on Sunday, August 26.

After speaking to Laura during the summer about the gigs and general stuff, she asked me if I wished to pick a cancer charity to benefit from the Summer Slaughter. Being touched by the gesture, I thought it was very kind of her to let me pick a charity that helped me when I had leukaemia, over a charity directly related to her own illness. In turn I was so grateful and picked CLIC Sargent whose help was invaluable when I was both in hospital and at home.

As every week in Northern Ireland two families are told their child has cancer, CLIC Sargent offer a little bit more than what the doctors and nurses can. They may not be able to provide the medicine and treatment but they can offer care and support every step of the way and although they may not be a small charity with low funds they are priceless when it comes down to the charities who can help children and teenagers feel like normal, young, people and not misfits when they have been diagnosed with cancer.

This event's line up, supporting 12 bands from both the North and South and one coming over from London, is an amazing bill and all raised will directly go to CLIC Sargent. It's basically less than £1 per band and its over eight hours long. Among the line-up is the fantastic Stand Up Guy who have just released their new album, Enniskillen's Darkest Era (formally Nemesis) Belfast metal bands November Dead List, Interrogate and Sinocence, Dublin's Little Nightmare and tavelling from London, Taming The Insane.

Tickets can be purchased for £10 in Katy Daly's in Belfast, which is just between the Limelight and the Spring & Airbrake, and the latter is where the event will be taking place. On the day of the gig the doors will be open from 2pm and you can pay at the door for £12. Or alternatively if you go to this webpage, www.wegottickets.com/event/20217 where tickets can be bought online for £10 with a £1 booking fee where 50p of it will go to CLIC Sargent.

It will be a great day for a great cause and any more details you might want can be found on www.myspace.com/ valentinemetalmassacre