Down to Headline Mike Scaccia ‘Rock the Heart’ Benefit Concert

Down have signed on to headline the first annual Mike Scaccia 'Rock the Heart' benefit concert, which will take place May 24 at Emo's in Austin, Texas.

Scaccia, who is best known as the guitarist in Ministry and who also played in Rigor Mortis and Buck Satan and the 666 Shooters, passed away in December 2012 after suffering a heart attack onstage while playing a Rigor Mortis show. His Rigor Mortis bandmate, Bruce Corbitt, also fronts Warbeast, who along with Down dedicated their early 2013 tour to the memory of Scaccia.

After Scaccia's passing, his family started the Mike Scaccia Heart Rock Foundation for Heart Disease and the concert has been launched to raise funds for the foundation as well as bring attention to the fact that simple screenings, tests and examinations can yield better awareness and a healthier lifestyle.

According to Bravewords.com, Bruce Corbitt stated, "They asked me if I wanted to come on board and help with setting up a show for their new upcoming heart foundation in Mike’s name. Of course I was honored to even be asked. I think this is amazing what they’re doing in the aftermath of such a devastating, life-changing tragedy. Not only is it important for them to keep Mike’s name and legacy alive. But they truly care about making a difference and saving lives by educating everyone about the scary facts of heart disease."

He added, "By having a band like Down headlining this first Mike Scaccia Rock The Heart Concert … we couldn’t really ask for a better start than that. The impact from this first one will help establish this as a significant annual event. Mike’s family has a goal for this to one day turn into the Mike Scaccia Rock The Heart Tour. They also have plans to have other shows/fest for music outside the metal genre. Mike Scaccia loved many different types of music. So even though metal is Mike’s home as a musician… the Mike Scaccia ‘Heart Rock Foundation’ plans to educate fans of all kinds of music."

The event will include performances from Down, as well as the tribute band the Scaccianators, Warbeast and Dead Earth Politics. Those attending will also have a chance to view a couple of special films, including a short on heart disease and a premiere of an upcoming documentary on Rigor Mortis. The show will also offer a preview of new music from Rigor Mortis' final album, 'Slaves to the Grave,' which is due in October.

For more info on the show, check out the event's Facebook page.