A member of Aussie rockers The Growl was viciously attacked over the weekend, leading the band to put together a fundraising campaign to help foot the costs of medical attention for his injuries.
Frontman Cameron Avery (who is also a member of Tame Impala) explains that The Growl’s bass player, Marc Earley, was “the victim of an unprovoked assault” in Sydney at 3am Monday morning, following the band’s appearance at the Sydney leg of the Laneway Festival on Sunday 2nd February.
The incident occurred in the suburb of Surry Hills, “at an Oporto restaurant near the corner of Pelican and Oxford St”, while a statement issued this afternoon details the vicious attack on Earley.
“The attacker, who did not appear to be intoxicated or under the influence, blinded him with one hand whilst intentionally breaking the ring finger on Marc’s left hand at a right angle, causing two fractures on the upper knuckle.”
The bassist was then rushed to the emergency department at the Prince of Wales hospital, where doctors explained Earley required surgery within 48 hours from a specialist in order to achieve a full recovery, including attending occupational therapy sessions to regain use of his hand and continue playing music. “Being a week to week working musician Marc doesn’t have health or income insurance… his hands are his life.”
Doing what they can to get his friend and bandmate the attention he needs, Avery has put together an online campaign for donations through online platform GoFundMe, accompanied by an emotional plea that “his hands are his life.”
“Being a week to week working musician Marc doesn’t have health or income insurance. If you can spare anything to help Marc make a full recovery and get through this tough spot a donation would be so appreciated,” reads Avery’s moving statement.
At the time of publication, over $1,100 in donations have been raised towards the target goal of $20,000. “Marc has devoted his life to music, through study, teaching, performance and is one of the most talented musicians I have ever and will ever meet,” continues the Perth musician.
Marc Earley peforming with The Growl at the Melbourne Laneway Festival (Image: Len Panceki Source: Laneway Festival 2014 Melbourne Gallery)
Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage in an investigation of the attack, but to date, no one has been charged. Meanwhile, Earley has been flown home to Perth to begin the rehabilitation process, but as Avery points out, “not only has this act of unprovoked violence caused Marc a lot of pain and distress it will severely impact his livelihood in the coming months.”
That includes the band’s remaining dates with the Laneway Festival in Adelaide and Perth, which will see good friend and Pond frontman Nick Allbrook filling in on bass duties. It may tragically leave The Growl bassist out of action for the band’s forthcoming trip to Austin, Texas as one of 55 Aussie bands playing SXSW 2014.
“Any of you who know Marc, know him for the gentle, friendly and ever laughing bloke he is and didn’t deserve any of this,” Avery says.
You can donate to the ‘Please Help Marc!’ campaign here: http://www.gofundme.com/6nhi8w
Laneway Festival 2014 Set Times – Adelaide
Friday 7th February – Harts Mill, Port Adelaide
View/download the Adelaide Laneway Map here
Click To Enlarge
Laneway Festival 2014 Set Times – Perth
Saturday 8th February – Esplanade Park and West End, Fremantle
View/download the Perth Laneway Map here
Click To Enlarge
