Guitarist/Engineer Ryan Butler (Landmine Marathon, Dying Fetus, Exhumed, Etc.) Diagnosed With Rare Liver Disorder; Fundraiser for Medical Costs Launched
Landmine Marathon are one of the early 21st century’s Great Bands That Never Got as Big as They Should Have. The Arizona death-grind outfit released four full-lengths between 2006 and 2011, all of which are ridiculously killer… the best of which are the final three: 2008’s Rusted Eyes Awake, 2010’s Sovereign Descent, and 2011’s Gallows.
All of those albums were recorded and mixed by Ryan Butler, who also played guitars. But in case that didn’t give him enough tr00 kr3d, he has also recorded, produced, mixed, and/or mastered albums by bands like Exhumed, Misery Index, and Ghoul.
Heartbreakingly, according to a press release, Butler has been diagnosed with “an extremely rare liver disorder called Wilson’s Disease.” According to mayoclinic.org:
“Copper plays a key role in the development of healthy nerves, bones, collagen and the skin pigment melanin. Normally, copper is absorbed from your food, and excess is excreted through a substance produced in your liver (bile).
“But in people with Wilson’s disease, copper isn’t eliminated properly and instead accumulates, possibly to a life-threatening level.”
Indeed, the press release goes on to say that “This is a life threatening situation and Ryan was recently added to the liver transplant list.”
Because the healthcare system in America is garbage, that means Ryan is going to have some hefty medical bills. A GoFundMe page has been launched to help ease the financial burden.
Says former Landmine Marathon vocalist Grace Perry of Butler:
“If you’re lucky enough to call him a friend, you know how much he has given and impacted the local music scene over the past several decades… I spent over 7 years in a band with this hunk of burning love and can’t begin to explain how amazing he really is. Sending him and his family all my love and compassion during this difficult time.”
Adds former Landmine Marathon bassist Matt Martinez:
“Ryan is a great friend to so many of us. Ryan has more than likely entered and impacted your lives through music; As a member of the bands Landmine Marathon, Unruh, Northside Kings and many more, he has released music to critical acclaim, toured the world and established countless lifelong friendships. As the owner and engineer of Arcane Digital recording studio, he produced, engineered, mixed and mastered an impressive catalog of music that fills our record collections… In 2019, Ryan was diagnosed with Wilson’s Disease; this is the same disease that took his mother’s life. Wilson’s Disease is an extremely rare, inherited disease that causes excessive copper to accumulate in the liver. Unfortunately the disease has progressed to the point where liver failure is inevitable. Luckily, Ryan was recently put on the list for a liver transplant. The transplant will eradicate the disease and return Ryan to a much more normal way of life. We expect a suitable donor organ to be found very soon (weeks or months). Knowing that these are both financially and emotionally stressful times for all of us, we are humbly reaching out to our strong and powerful community and extended family to help offset some of the overwhelming financial impact of the journey of healing that Ryan is taking on.”
Times are tough all over, but every little bit counts, so definitely donate if you can.
