A Night at Rock to Recovery

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As we reported earlier this month, on October 2nd, Rock to Recovery held their annual benefit concert at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. Chester was able to come out for the show for his fifth guest appearance of the year.

Rock to Recovery is a fundraising organization started by Wesley Geer in 2012. Wesley as many of you might know was the touring guitarist for Korn when Head stepped away from the band but he was also in Hed PE well before that. Wesley actually stepped away from Hed PE over a decade ago because of the crazy lifestyle (drugs and alcohol). In relation to this site, Hed PE toured with Linkin Park on back-to-back tours when they both were opening P.O.D's 'Kings Of The Game' Tour in November 2000 and again on Papa Roach's 'Master Bay' Tour in December 2000 before they both played several 2001 festivals together.

This benefit show was the first concert event associated with the fundraiser. Referred to as The 1st Annual Rock To Recovery Benefit Concert, the gig was dedicated to Social Distortion's Mike Ness. Mike became addicted to heroin in 1985 when Social D was gaining traction, so he entered rehab in 1985 and has been sober ever since. To celebrate, Rock to Recovery presented him with the first "Rock to Recovery Award" at the event.

Rock To Recovery's official website says: "Rock to Recovery was created to help soothe the restless souls of those in recovery. We do this by creating a “band” and writing and recording songs together with Rock to Recovery’s staff of professional musicians, who are also in recovery. We help bring fun into treatment and recovery by offering a natural escape from the fear-based mind. This helps people grow a sense of belonging and self esteem. We help to vent emotions by writing lyrics and singing together for release, in real-time. We tie in a positive theme of hope in recovery throughout the whole process. When the session is done, our “band” members feel a new energy all throughout their minds and spirits".

There is simply nothing like Rock to Recovery in the industry and the help it provides to musicians is vital. As hectic and wild as the world of touring is, Rock to Recovery shows that it IS possible to get help, find a way to recovery, and beat addiction. The program helps with a wide variety of issues, from addiction to PTSD, depression, and more.

The main act for the show was Filter with "All Star Jam" band and the "Rock To Recovery" band playing before them. The band's lineup included Billy Morrison (The Cult, Camp Freddy), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), Chris Chaney (Jane's Addiction) and Erik Eldenius (Billy Idol). The "Rock To Recovery" band included Wesley Geer, David Silveria (Korn), Zachary Baird, Sonny Mayo, Nate Low, Brandon Jordan, Brandon Parkhurst, Matthew Bartosch and Clinton Calton.

Chester joined in for the last two songs of the show, covers of the familiar Vasoline by Stone Temple Pilots and another one he has guested on frequently throughout the years - Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin. Before his performance, you can see him even rocking out side stage to Killing in the Name, sung by Fred Durst.

Setlist:
01. Baba O'Riley (The Who cover; w/ Franky Perez)
02. War Pigs (Black Sabbath cover; w/ Franky Perez)
03. Panama (Van Halen cover; w/ Franky Perez)
04. Wonderwall (Oasis cover; w/ Billy Morrison)
05. Rebell Yell (Billy Idol cover; w/ Billy Morrison)
06. Sober (Tool cover; w/ Franky Perez)
07. Enter Sandman (Metallica cover; w/ Franky Perez)
08. Pretty Vacant (Sex Pistols cover; w/ Mark McGrath)
09. Fly (Sugar Ray cover; w/ Mark McGrath)
10. You Really Got Me (The Kinks cover; w/ Fred Durst)
11. Killing In The Name (Rage Against The Machine cover; w/ Fred Durst)
12. Vasoline (Stone Temple Pilots cover; w/ Chester Bennington)
13. Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin cover; w/ Chester Bennington)

 

We like to mention that we are always thankful for modern technology and we'll say that again as you can watch the FULL show shot front row below. Included before the performance is a full rundown of the event, its history, and red carpet interviews...a nice behind the scenes look at Rock to Recovery and what it's about.

We'd like to thank Wesley for all the work he has done and we wish the best for Rock to Recovery!