Machine Head made a post on the band’s Facebook today announcing the “Robb Flynn & Friends” Benefit Concert set for Janurary 17 in Oakland, California at the Oakland Metro Operahouse. The show will features members of Machine Head, Metallica, Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Suicide Silence, Death Angel, Forbidden, SpiralArms, and Rubble covering Black Sabbath classics.
The idea for the benefit concert came about after a friend of Robb Flynn and SpiralArms/Forbidden guitarist Craig Locicero’s, Nikki Davis, was in a motorcycle accident that claimed the life of her husband, Jeff. Here’s the full story from the post:
Members of Machine Head, Metallica, Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Suicide Silence, Death Angel, Forbidden, SpiralArms, and Rubble will perform classic songs by Black Sabbath as part of an all-star tribute band that will headline the “Robb Flynn & Friends” benefit concert on Friday, January 17 at the Oakland Metro Operahouse in Oakland, California.
Forbidden and SpiralArms guitarist Craig Locicero, who organized and will also take part in the event, had the following to say about how the idea for the benefit concert came about: “A good friend of ours and all around great person, Nikki Davis, was in a motorcycle accident with her husband Jeff. Sadly, Jeff died at the scene. Fortunately, Nikki survived but she was unconscious for a few days. She awoke to the daunting reality that her husband, soulmate and best friend had passed away. It was heartbreaking to all of us in the Bay Area scene.
Robb Flynn and I have known Nikki for at least 25 years and she is a huge supporter of the Bay Area’s metal and punk scene.
“I wanted to help Nikki out a year ago, but most every band was busy on tour and unavailable. A few weeks ago, I had approached Robb about doing a benefit for Nikki and he thought it was a great idea.
“Robb has gone above and beyond to help bring together something very special and memorable to help Nikki on January 17th. He’s been the catalyst for getting this thing off the ground so quickly and Nikki is very thankful.
“We hope to raise enough money to help Nikki continue to get back on her feet because the healing is not finished. She still has medical bills to pay and we want to do anything we can to help our old friend.”
For those who can’t attend the concert, donations can be made to Nikki’s PayPal account at help_jeff_n_nikki_d@yahoo.com.
We’ve gotta say, the idea of seeing members of any of these bands combine to play classic Sabbath tunes is awesome. And the fact that it’s for a good cause makes it all the sweeter. So if you’re lucky enough to live near Oakland (or dedicated enough to travel there), it sounds like you’re in for a good time.
