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As you have read from this storyline, Deftones bassist and good friend Chi Cheng was ejected from a car and seriously injured, resulting in a coma, a state he remains in as I write. Even though comas have been known to last as long as several years, they rarely last more than 2 to 5 weeks. Chi has been in his for over four weeks now. To augment the amazing medical care he is receiving, a band of brothers and sisters came together in Sacramento on Tuesday, December 9th to raise some much needed funds and send some positive chi to our good friend Chi.

Benefit shows are a strange thing. On one level, you have a friend lying in an uncertain state, hopefully healing his way back to this world. Yet, there we are playing music, drinking beers, having fun with friends, old and new. You tell yourself, “It’s ok, it’s for a good cause.” But you can’t help but feeling a little creepy. Ironically, it’s much like a car wreck. There are people who should be there, and others show up only to see what happened.

“People are trying to get in where they fit in,” said DJ Crook, a good friend and fellow musician. He went on: “It’s like, our friend is lying in a coma, who knows what might happen, and people here are trying to get in where they fit in!” He was right. Standing at the Harlow’s bar, a group of Velvet Revolver clones were making a scene as if they were center stage in the frat house tuning up for a night of pussy hunting. Looking at the finely crafted scenesters, it felt like someone was about to whip out a CD and say, “Hey Chino, this is my demo, will you check it out?” Thankfully, those types were the exception.

The overwhelming vibe inside Harlow’s was one of family, friends, music, and support. People from many different bands and walks of life came to show support, make a donation and send good energy. Faces from our birthing pond, the infamous Cattle Club, were everywhere you turned. It felt good, and I know Chi felt it. It’s right up his alley. Homies from back in the day, together again.

All the musicians donated their time and talents for this gig, and let me tell ya, it takes a lot of effort. Last Angels and Eightfourseven opened the night with sets of great music. Rey Osburn and his Death Valley High played a phenomenal set, only to be outdone by the reunion of Sacramento’s Tinfed. Abe Cunningham sat in with the band on one song and nearly bounced over the drum kit from hitting his in his signature “Animal” way. The much-anticipated return of Will Haven with Grady and Jeff on vocals created a frenzy. Along with Crook, Deftones DJ Frank rounded out the night.

This second of a handful of shows was a success. The money raised from these events in its entirety goes to aid Chi’s family, namely his young son Gabriel. A ton of credit goes to Jeff Irwin, Marc Mojonnier and their crew, who have been organizing these fundraisers across California. Great work, brothers. And thanks to all the venues.

Rey summed it up best from the stage: “This is for Chi.”

Photo Caption:  Bassist Rick "13" Verret holds the bottom down for Tinfed and sends the low frequency to Chi.

Credit:  Nicholas Walsh