In hopes of getting his personal medical situation sorted out, Defeater and Alcoa frontman Derek Archambault has decided to turn to his family, friends, and fans to financially support his upcoming hip surgery bill through a PledgeMusic fundraiser.
Archambault’s condition was made public within the past year through a Facebook post which essentially told fans “Let’s have a ton of fun but no touchy Derek please!” before Defeater left for a European tour. This was soon followed up by a long-winded and dreaded announcement regarding the cancellation of their presence on their spring tour with The Wonder Years.
If all goes well with this fundraiser, Defeater and Alcoa will be hitting the road once again with no reason to request restraint from their audience in no time. Among other things like limited edition posters relating to Defeater’s Letters Home album and an Alcoa t-shirt, the main incentive being offered for a minimum of $5 is an EP titled Thank You, which includes a reproduced version of Defeater’s “I Don’t Mind,” along with covers of some Make Do and Mend, Blacklisted, Elder Brother, and I Am The Avalanche songs.
Follow the jump to see the track list, and to read Archambault’s announcement for the fundraiser.
Many of you have expressed concern upon noticing the issues I’ve have with my hip and left leg. For many months now I have been battling with the pain, immobility & the fact that I am in desperate need of a hip replacement. (Under the opinion and recommendation of two different doctors and one surgeon). After having surgery scheduled and then cancelled by insurance, I was forced to ask my band to withdraw our position on The Wonder Years tour. Playing music and having the opportunity to share experiences with fans of Defeater & Alcoa have been the only things I’ve ever felt really validated my passion as a musician. It truly breaks my heart to have to turn down those opportunities because I cannot afford to risk my hip breaking as well as having this procedure done on my own. Warped Tour, The August Burns Red and Caspian tours left me feeling like I couldn’t put as much into physically playing and performing as I very much want. And having to cancel The Wonder Years tour was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.
All of this has brought me to do something many of you will know is out of character for me. I need to set aside my pride and ask for the help that so many of you have offered over the past year. And before going any further, I would like to thank each and every one of you that has wished me well, shaken my hand, sang along, and been more supportive than I could ever dream of.
Without insurance, the cost for the surgery amounts to $50,000, including different programs helping to lower the cost. And even after cost of the surgery, anesesthia, hospital bills, etc, there is rehabilitation and physical therapy as well. Before I go ahead and ask for a handout, I want to make it known that you will be given the opportunity to gain something as well. We have worked together to come up with a few different packages in return for your financial help. After speaking with the hospital, I am certain that this can be taken care of fairly quickly, thus leading to more time spent on the road making up for lost time, however, the cost has to be paid in full on the day of the surgery. Once we reach our goal, surgery will be scheduled immediately. I know this is a lot to ask & this is a huge number. I am asking for help, and that is a risk I am willing to take as I am simply all out of options. If you decide to donate towards the cause and receive one of the options listed, you will also be asked if you would like to donate additional money. If you have any more to give I appreciate it more than you know. If not, I completely understand & I am incredibly grateful for your support. Thank you for taking the time to read this, I hope to see you on the road soon with Defeater and Alcoa doing what I know best.
Derek Paul Archambault
- Shambles-Make Do And Mend
- Stations-Blacklisted
- Whos Gonna carry you home-Elder Brother
- Young Kerouacs-I am the Avalanche