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| Photo Credit: Silfan van der Kaap |
Words by Anselm Anderson
A special set of ' Stand Up For Cancer' concerts has been announced for CatFish guitarist Matt Long. The series of Benefit concerts take place in May and June this year with shows throughout England. Kent, Staines, Luton, Darlington and Milton Keynes are the places to pay tribute to Catfish vocalist and guitarist Matt Long, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year. Unfortunately, recent scans have unveiled that the cancer has spread throughout his liver and stomach lining. Matt's Mother, Fiona has arranged a GoFundMe campaign to raise £100,00 for private treatment in the States.
A description on the Crowdfunder reads: ‘Matt has been battling bowel cancer for just under a year and despite surgery and chemo, his latest scan shows that the cancer has spread into his liver and stomach lining. His cancer team have said although there is the option of trying a different type of chemo, they don’t hold out much hope that it will cure him and is likely to at best extend his life a little.There is an option to have a sample of the tumour sequenced which will give us the maximum amount of information on its make up, which will then show the cancer team exactly what drugs to use to damage it - to either slow it down, or there is just a small chance that they may be able to kill it.
The family reveal that without this treatment Matt only has a 15% chance of survival. It is always sad news to report about the ailing health of talented musicians, but I hope Matt Long can get the treatment to help him beat such a treacherous disease. It is times like these when a musician can call on their contemporaries to put concerts together to help raise awareness and bring communities together. Each venue and location was picked by Catfish due to some sentimental affiliation. Some of the artists who have agreed to appear include John Verity of Argent, Del Bronham of Stray, Chantel McGregor and Kris Barras. You can find more information about the upcoming shows below.
To Donate to the GoFundMe visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/matt-long-cancer-treatment-fundraiser
For more information on Catfish visit: https://www.catfishband.com/
All funds from all the shows will go directly towards Matt Long’s medical treatment fund. A different multi-talented lineup (as well as some unannounced special guests) will perform at the following (Lineups subject to change):
Wednesday 8th May 2024 – The Wrotham Arms, Broadstairs, Kent
Zac Schulze
Phil Woolett/John Doe Trio
Katie Bradley
Nigel Feist
Dave Good
Dudley Ross
Please Call Jackie on 07814 344 969 for tickets and more information.
Sunday 19th May 2024 – Thameside Brewery, 1 Hale Street, Staines, Surrey, TW18 4UW
Laurence Jones
Greg Coulson
True Strays
Mike Ross
Alice Armstrong
Bad Influence With Jess Hayes
Martin Abrahams Band
Thomas Heppell
Ticket Price: £30.00 Each
Timings: Doors at Noon Music from 1pm Till 10pm (UK Time)
Ticket Link: https://thamessidebrewery.co.uk/data/ETBooking.php
Saturday 1st June 2024 – The Bear Club, Mill Yard, 24A Guildford St, Luton LU1 2NR
John Verity (Argent)
Del Bronham (Stray)
Robin Bibi
The Big Wolf Band (UK Blues Award Nominees 2024)
Ticket Price: £20.00 Each
Timings: Doors 6.30pm / Music 7.30pm
Friday 28th June 2024 – The Forum, Borough Rd, Darlington, DL1 1SG
John Verity (Argent)
Ash Wilson
Rebecca Downes
Andrew Pipe
Emma Wilson
Lorna Fothergill
Plus The Forum House Band consisting of:
Jamie Pipe on Keyboards (The Mentulls & Danny Bryant)
Steve Amadeo on Bass (Aynsley Lister, Ian Parker and Ben Poole Bands)
Alvin Sephton on Drums (More T Vicar & The Defenders)
Ticket Price: £25 Each
Timings: Doors: 6.00pm Showtime: 7.00pm
Sunday 30th June 2024 – (Low Ticket Alert), Jim Marshall Auditorium, The Stables, Stockwell Ln, Wavendon, Milton Keynes MK17 8LU
Brave Rival
Kris Barras
When Rivers Meet
Will Wilde
Chantel McGregor
The Cinelli Brothers
Ben Poole
Alice Armstrong
Ticket Price: £49.50 Each (Price Includes Fees)
Timings: 6pm Showtime until 10pm
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