Benefit Concert Featuring David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Troy McLawhorn (EVANESCENCE), Sal G (STAIND) + EYE EMPIRE — Performing Together for ONE NIGHT ONLY in Celebration of the “Battlefield of the Mind” Film and Soundtrack Release‏

Benefit Concert Featuring David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Troy McLawhorn (EVANESCENCE), Sal G (STAIND) + EYE EMPIRE

and MORE Performing Together for ONE NIGHT ONLY in Celebration of the “Battlefield of the Mind” Film and Soundtrack Release

 

The All-Star Line-Up Unites to Benefit the Boot Campaign at the Legendary Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, CA on April 24, 2013

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Tickets Available Now!

http://battlefieldofthemindlive.eventbrite.com/

 

*A portion of the proceeds will go to support the Boot Campaign*

 

 

On April 24th, an all-star cast of musicians will perform at the legendary Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, CA as part of a benefit concert for the Boot Campaign and their support of our military veterans. In a rare appearance, these alternative rock stars will appear together, performing songs off the “Battlefield of the Mind”documentary soundtrack, releasing on the same day on Chill (www.chill.com/botm). April 24th is also the official release date of the documentary.

 

“Battlefield of the Mind”, a film ArtistDirect calls, “the most powerful documentary of the decade,” is a full-length documentary that tells the raw and tragic details of what life is like as an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran today. Many veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and among them are those whose lives have fallen apart and have become homeless as a result. Severe PTSD leaves these returning heroes on a downward spiral into their own personal hell. The documentary is available to stream and download at: http://chill.com/fran_strine/battlefield-of-the-mind

 

The musicians performing together for ONE NIGHT ONLY in support of the film and the cause include:

 

– David Ellefson of MEGADETH

– Troy McLawhorn of EVANESCENCE

– Sal G of STAIND

– Pete Murray of LO-PRO

– Neil Godfrey of LO-PRO

– Headliners EYE EMPIRE, featuring Corey Lowery (STUCK MOJO /STEREOMUD /DARK NEW DAY) and B.C. Kochmit (SWITCHED) and Ryan Bennett (TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION) and military veteran Donald ‘DC’ Carpenter (SUBMERSED)

 

 

Event Details

The event will open at 7:00pm with filmmaker and participant interaction, exclusive look at the documentary, and Q&A. At 8:30pm the doors will re-open for the all-star jam and performance from Eye Empire.

*A taste of the music from the soundtrack can be found here. (The track is “No Words” Featuring Mike Mushok, Pete Murray, David Ellefson and Sal G.)

 

Tickets are $20 for full access, $15 for performance only.

To purchase tickets and RSVP visit: http://battlefieldofthemindlive.eventbrite.com/

 

VIP tickets (which include early access to soundcheck) are made available at www.chill.com/botm.

 

 

The Documentary

Narrated by David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Co-produced by Aaron Lewis (STAIND), this documentary by Fran Strine takes on a tragic truth – that those men that put their lives on the line to defend our freedom have come home to a world plagued by PTSD and homelessness.  1 in 7 homeless adults are veterans and over ¼ of homeless veterans suffer from mental illness, physical illness and substance abuse at the same time.

 

These sad truths moved a concerned public to donate en masse to get the film made leading to a rousing KICKSTARTER success.  The film raised 190% of its funding goal with the soundtrack raising 120% of its funding goal. The film is currently available on CHILL (chill.com/botm) and will see its official physical release along with its soundtrack on April 24th.

 

“After engaging in conversations with these veterans living on the streets and hearing their stories, I knew this was the documentary I had to make and show that we, as citizens can make a difference,” says director and co-producer Fran Strine. The VA was approved $1.35 billion for the homeless in 2013 – a mere 0.035% of the $8.3 trillion US budget, says The White House Office of Management & Budget.  Forbes adds that providing permanent housing for the chronic homeless would save taxpayers $3 billion.

 

The soundtrack for the film features members of many prominent rock bands. DC of EYE EMPIRE, a former soldier himself, said of his band’s involvement, “I have always been sensitive to issues that face our troops Stateside & abroad.  When our good friend Fran mentioned that he and Aaron were going to be making this film and that he would like for us to be involved with the music, we were very humbled.”  Vocalist, Pete Murray (previously of ULTRASPANK) called working with the likes of Ellefson and Mike Mushok of STAIND “…an amazing experience. Working with other musicians with different backgrounds and influences has been an incredible opportunity.”

 

In addition to his narration duties, MEGADETH’s David Ellefson contributed to the soundtrack.  He explains the synergy between the music and the film, “Lyrically these songs were inspired directly by the film and the people portrayed in it.  In many ways, the Soundtrack continues the narrative of the film in music form.  I am proud that the songs and people involved in making them took the subject matter to heart and used it as the springboard for our songwriting.”  Composing score and soundtrack music was a labor of love for STAIND’s Mike Mushok.  “In writing music to the film, I got to watch a scene and express how I feel about it by writing music to it,” explains Mushok.  “It was something that I really enjoyed doing and am happy with the way it ultimately turned out.”

 

Spread the information about the plight of these veterans by purchasing the film and soundtrack and sharing it with your friends and family. Information is power and “Battlefield Of The Mind” is the ultimate ammunition in battling veteran homelessness and PTSD.

 

 

The Soundtrack

Track listing:

1. War Isn’t Over Yet – Eye Empire

2. Give Me Life – LoPro

3. Tear It Down – Feat. Mike Mushok, Pete Murray, David Ellefson & Sal G.

4. Wake of War – Feat. Troy McLawhorn, D.C., Mike Mushok, Corey Lowery & Mike Froedge

5. No Words – Feat. Mike Mushok, Pete Murray, David Ellefson & Sal G.

6. Not Like You – Feat. Troy McLawhorn, Pete Murray & Mike Froedge

7. When – Life on planet 0

8. Witness – Viasava

9. Drop us in hell – Feat. Sal G & Joseph Dougherty

10. Awakening – When earth awakes

11. Wake up – Feat. Michael Benedetto & Keith Caro

12. Save me – Feat. Michael Benedetto & Keith Caro

13. Ask McFly – The Dreaded Marco

14. Hollow Destination – Otan Vargas

 

 

 

For press inquiries and additional information, please contact Adrenaline PR and Maria Ferrero at 732-462-4262 or maria@adrenalinepr.com.

 

 

About Boot Campaign:

The Boot Campaign is a grassroots initiative started by five women from Texas known as The Boot Girls.  The campaign encourages everyone to ‘get their boots on’ providing an easy and tangible way for Americans to show appreciation for troops, cultivate awareness of the challenges they face upon return and raise funds for military programs meeting the physical and emotional needs of our heroes.  What better way to say “Thank You” to our troops than wearing a pair of boots just like theirs?  Proceeds from boot sales combined with donations and corporate sponsorships help us to assist wounded military and their families with job placement, mortgage free homes, PTSD counseling, adaptive clothing and so much more.

 

About Chill:

Chill is the premier video platform and marketplace to find entertainment content distributed for a global audience direct from artists, comedians and filmmakers. Consumers can stream or download-to-own top films, docs, series and comedy specials in HD quality to any device and transact worldwide. Chill recently released the critically acclaimed Maria Bamford: Special, Special, Special. Based in Los Angeles, CA, the company is backed by venture funding from Kleiner Perkins, William Morris Endeavor (WME), 500 Startups, Redpoint Ventures, Crunchfund, Science Media, Troy Carter and Atlas Venture. Chill is founded by Brian Norgard and Daniel Gould.

 

 

 

 

WHEN A BAND CHANGES DIRECTION (OR DOESN’T)

How many times have you heard “This band sold out” or “That band went mainstream”? I have heard this about several bands throughout the years. Let;s take a look at several bands that have “changed direction” , or have stayed the same and if that has worked for them.

     QUEEN 1971 – 1991 the Freddie Mercury years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queen remains one of my favorite bands of all times. The band was constantly evolving and changing throughout their career. They explored many styles of music during their recording career. They were never afraid to branch out and explore their creativity. Here are two songs that show their diversity. The world lost a beautiful soul when Freddie Mercury passed away in 1991, we will forever miss and love you Freddie, thank you for your music. Queen pulled off, to great success, changing directions.

“Keep Yourself Alive” from QUEEN – 1973

“These Are The Days Of Our Lives” from INNUENDO – 1991

MEGADETH 1983 to present

Megadeth is a band who has stayed true to their original vision. Their style of speed/thrash metal has pretty much been a constant throughout their career. While some will say it has hurt their career, their fans remain loyal, and their record sales constant. I say cheers to Dave and crew (though they have changed over the years) keep it going! Staying true to their direction has worked for Megadeth.

“Peace Sells” from Peace Sells…but Who’s Buying? – 1986

“Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)” from Th1rt3en – 2011

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 1983 to present

This band has always been in a special place in my heart. Never afraid to be who they are, always giving their all to their fans. Their members and styles have changed throughout the years but they have always managed to pull it off. Playing what they want to and disregarding the critics their music reflects the colorful personalities that infuse this band. Many people have tried to pigeonhole this band to a certain genre, to no avail. I call them a Rock N’ Roll band PERIOD. Thank you RHCP, you have given my soul much joy. Keep growing and evolving and stay true to your passions.

“True Men Don’t Kill Coyotes” from The Red Hot Chili Peppers – 1984

“The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie” – from I’m With You – 2011

METALLICA – 1981 to present

Ahhh Metallica, the source of great contention amongst metal heads. Some say they sold out with the “Black” album, some say they didn’t. I think they have made some questionable choices in the past years, but they remain strong as one of the driving forces in metal music. As part of being human we are constantly changing and growing (well, some of us do) as the events surrounding us dictate. The guys in Metallica are not immune. Growing older, gaining families, becoming financially stable HAS to affect them, and their music. I, for one, appreciate that fact and despite their making some music that does not always appeal to me I stand by this band and remain a fan. R.I.P. Cliff Burton, miss you!

“No Remorse” from Kill ‘Em All – 1983

“All Nightmare Long” from Death Magnetic – 2008

GUNS N’ ROSES 1985 to present???

GNR WHAT HAPPENED?!?!?!? They were poised to take over the world and instead they burned it down. The energy of the the five original members was the perfect combination. Then the backup singers, the keyboard players, the horn section, etc… etc… sigh. I know this band has been the topic of great controversy, and probably will remain so for a long, long time. I will always remain in love with early GNR and the music they made and I am grateful for that, post original five, not so much. I personally believe the direction that the band took killed them (this is my humble opinion). Oh well we have our memories…. if we could only find our way back to the jungle.

“Welcome To The Jungle” from Appetite For Destruction – 1987

“This I Love” from Chinese Democracy – 2008

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY 1998 to present

Ahhh BLS, now here’s a band that I totally get. Members have come and gone and yet this band gets stronger and stronger. Great music year after year, record after record and a loyal fan base that unifies together as one big BLS family. Zakk Wylde never shies away from playing whatever he wants, piano based ballads, acoustic songs, full out electric, it matters not to Zakk. With BLS it never grows stagnant and you will never be bored! GI/FD!!!

“Born To Lose” from Sonic Brew – 1999

“Overlord” from Order Of The Black – 2010

These are just my opinions on bands that have (or have not) changed direction, please feel free to comment or message me with your ideas or thoughts and I will post them here.

the Hellion