Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe is full of surprises and that includes the announcement of the the upcoming band’s upcoming EP The Duke. Set to release as Blythe has written the title track about his friend Wayne Ford who recently passed away at the age of 33 after a losing battle with cancer.
Recorded during the Sturm und Drang sessions, the song didn’t make it on the album, which was fine with Blythe who wanted it to remain separate to give the rightful attention it deserves. Although their friendship was brief, it left a lasting impression on Blythe as he wanted to know Ford’s final thoughts on the world and to have his last views recorded on the song. Sadly, Blythe never received the answer as he continued to write the track and leaving the original working title “The Duke.” Coincidentally, Ford was named after the character John Wayne as his nickname was famously known as “The Duke.”
Blythe posted a blog and included a video concerning this subject as not only meant to honor his friend but to spread awareness on leukemia and the need for more blood marrow donors.
To continue with Ford’s memory and this awareness, Blythe will run a charity auction to go with the EP’s release as with donations going to go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).
The five track EP will include two new songs and three live tunes.
Tracklist of Lamb of God’s The Duke:
1 – The Duke
2 – Culling
3 – Still Echoes (live)
4 – 512 (live)
5 – Engage The Fear Machine (live)
Additionally, in an Instagram post, Blythe has announced that he’s going to be auctioning off his gold copy of Ashes of the Wake to benefit the LLS. It’s a great opportunity of a band putting their money where their mouth is, and a nice way for Blythe to give back. Read that below.
