Chicago musician attacked defending woman
July 27, 2010 8:25 AM Subscribe
Chicago musician attacked defending woman
Here's a series of articles I have written this month while covering a tragedy that has a happy ending. Matthew Leone, bass player for the Chicago band, Madina Lake, was attacked when he tried to aid a woman being choked on the street by her husband. He was badly injured with no health insurance. Fans worldwide have been donating aid and the Smashing Pumpkins are playing a benefit show for him tonight in Chicago.
A large section of Matthew's skull was removed to relieve swelling of his brain and he almost died the night of the attack. He was in the hospital for a week, then went home still missing the section of skull they took out. A week and a half later, he had a second brain surgery to replace the head bone and he is recovering slowly. Sweet Relief, a not for profit that helps needy musicians has raised almost $24,000 for him so far. His friends started a group, Through the Pain. They are having an additional 2 benefit shows in August and an auction with items donated by a huge list of national recording stars, record labels, sports teams, even the WWE! Matthew's band, Madina Lake, is touring England next month and he insists that they play without him. He is in great pain, yet walking, talking, smiling, and expected to make a full recovery.
Here's a series of articles I have written this month while covering a tragedy that has a happy ending. Matthew Leone, bass player for the Chicago band, Madina Lake, was attacked when he tried to aid a woman being choked on the street by her husband. He was badly injured with no health insurance. Fans worldwide have been donating aid and the Smashing Pumpkins are playing a benefit show for him tonight in Chicago.
A large section of Matthew's skull was removed to relieve swelling of his brain and he almost died the night of the attack. He was in the hospital for a week, then went home still missing the section of skull they took out. A week and a half later, he had a second brain surgery to replace the head bone and he is recovering slowly. Sweet Relief, a not for profit that helps needy musicians has raised almost $24,000 for him so far. His friends started a group, Through the Pain. They are having an additional 2 benefit shows in August and an auction with items donated by a huge list of national recording stars, record labels, sports teams, even the WWE! Matthew's band, Madina Lake, is touring England next month and he insists that they play without him. He is in great pain, yet walking, talking, smiling, and expected to make a full recovery.
I've been following this story since it happened. Being a Chicagoan, I've been pleasantly surprised by the support the people have shown for Matthew Leone. Up until this happened I had always perceived my city to be a "mind your own business and don't get involved " kind of place.
A lot of people would say that doing what he did was not very smart and they're completely right, but any true act of heroism (risking one's own life to save another's) is pretty foolish when considered from a viewpoint of self-preservation.
It's terrible what happened to him but I'm delighted to know he's doing better. Hopefully all his bills will be paid with the money raised and once he's healed up he won't have to worry about it. It sounds totally corny but it warms my heart to know that there are people out there who still care about, to paraphrase Billy Corgan, backing people up who do the right thing. It's all very noble and decent and, for what it's worth, I'm proud of everyone concerned, most especially Mr. Leone himself.
posted by Jess the Mess at 5:39 PM on July 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
A lot of people would say that doing what he did was not very smart and they're completely right, but any true act of heroism (risking one's own life to save another's) is pretty foolish when considered from a viewpoint of self-preservation.
It's terrible what happened to him but I'm delighted to know he's doing better. Hopefully all his bills will be paid with the money raised and once he's healed up he won't have to worry about it. It sounds totally corny but it warms my heart to know that there are people out there who still care about, to paraphrase Billy Corgan, backing people up who do the right thing. It's all very noble and decent and, for what it's worth, I'm proud of everyone concerned, most especially Mr. Leone himself.
posted by Jess the Mess at 5:39 PM on July 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
I hope the guy who was beating on his wife got jail! This musician is a hero!
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 12:36 AM on July 30, 2010
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 12:36 AM on July 30, 2010
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In all seriousness, this guy is very brave and he got the shit end of the stick here. I'm glad people have pulled together for him. Looking forward to reading your articles.
posted by lholladay at 9:04 AM on July 27, 2010