Ever since the news broke out that Mike IX Williams of EYEHATEGOD was in need of a liver transplant, the metal world quickly came together to support the front man. Just by word of mouth, they’ve already raised over $48,000 on his YouCaring page, and it’s going to go a long way to helping out the Williams family.
As we all remember, Lamb Of God‘s Randy Blythe filled in for Mike on the recent EYEHATEGOD tour, and he’s posted a powerful message on his Instagram in support of his friend. Here’s what he said: “4.17.2016 “Hello, my friends” Wilmington, NC. Here’s a shot of my pal, Mike IX Williams, shaking hands with his fans after an EYEHATEGOD gig I drove down to see in NC. As some of you may remember, back in October I went on tour w/EHG to fill in on vocals as Mike was sick with an unspecified illness. It was frustrating because people kept on asking “What’s wrong with Mike?”, & all I could say to them was “He’s sick, man. Send him some good energy”- it wasn’t my place to tell people what was going on. That time has passed now, as he & his wife have opened up- Mike needs a liver transplant. As a person with 6+ years of sobriety, I know that I am extremely lucky and blessed to have escaped this fate somehow, so I do not judge anyone in this position- it could have very easily been me, but somehow my body didn’t give out, even after 20+ years of drinking & drugs. I should be dead, but I’m not- I got a second chance, & I support anyone who takes the steps to clean up their life. And Mike did so, but even though he had been sober for a good while, he was admitted to the hospital on Oct. 10 2016, vomiting blood- it was very scary for the EHG dudes & myself out on tour- we thought he was a dead man. Somehow he pulled through, but his organs were failing. Mike was told in no uncertain terms that he was not leaving that hospital without a new liver. He’s been in the hospital every since, staying alive while waiting to get on the transplant list. Needless to say, the bills are skyrocketing. To that end, there has been a crowdfunding page set up to help him & his wife survive. If you are an EHG fan or just a cool person, throw them a couple of bucks if you can. The address is: www.youcaring.com/mikeixwilliams-695413. Or you can just go to www.youcaring.com & search for Mike Williams. Mike’s a really good dude who has lead a crazy life since he was just a kid- he’s a for real street dude who came up under some very difficult circumstances but still managed to create some great underground music. He’s an old friend, and I want nothing more than for him to get better, so help ’em out if you can! Thanks y’all- Randy.”
If you care to donate, or least spread the word, head to Mike’s YouCaring Page now! Get well soon Mike!