FORMER MEMBERS OF DEATH TO EMBARK ON BENEFIT TOUR

UPDATE, 3/16/12, 3:15 pm: Go here for dates.

This is SUCH a great idea and I am SO EXCITED for it I can hardly contain myself long enough to type.

Wanting to both honor the late Chuck Schuldiner (who passed away ten years ago this past December) and do something to help musicians who don’t have medical coverage, the surviving members of the legendary Death — guitarists Paul Masvidal,  Shannon Hamm, and Bobby Koelble, drummers Gene Hoglan and Sean Reinert, and bassists Steve DiGiorgio and Scott Clendenin — are all teaming up for the “Death to All” tour. Specifically being billed as “not a ‘reunion’ but a show of respect to someone who gave his life to music,” the five city trek will raise awareness for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund , a charity that “provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems.”

Like I said. Such a great idea. Raising awareness for a good cause and giving fans the opportunity to see a bunch of great musicians all doing what they do best? It’s a total win.

There are no additional details yet, other than that the bill also feature “special guests” (presumably, vocalists to fill in for Schuldiner, and not Yngwie Malmsteen). You can get updates and ticket info by e-mailing ticketing AT deathtoall DOT com, or stay tuned to the tour’s official website or Facebook page. And, of course, MetalSucks will post more details as they’re made available.

In the meantime, here’s a video teasing the tour:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XIG4duef7J0

-AR