Members of Controller.Controller, Tokyo Police Club, METZ Team Up for Ronnie Morris Benefit Show

BY Sarah MurphyPublished Sep 14, 2015

Earlier this year, we reported that Controller.Controller and Lioness bassist Ronnie Morris had suffered two consecutive strokes and was struggling to foot the medical bills for his ongoing rehabilitation. His musical community and supporters have banded together to come to his aid, though, and plans for a benefit show have been revealed.
 
The event will take place on October 8 at Toronto venue Lee's Palace and will feature Tokyo Police Club's Dave Monks, members of METZ and Fresh Snow performing as FrETZ, a solo set from V ∆ N E S S ∆ of Lioness, and a performance from the Flowers of Hell. Additionally, members of Controller.Controller, Uncut and Two Koreas will collaborate as part of an all-star jam.
 
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Ronnie Morris Recovery Fund. Tickets are on sale here for $25.
 
A fundraiser is also scheduled to take place on September 19 at the Fletcher Sportplex in Brampton. Hosted by members of the Scottish and Irish communities, the event will feature performances from Hugo Straney, the Worts (with Colyn Llewellyn-Thomas of Controller.Controller) and various DJs.
 
"Ronnie's much more than a bassist; he brings a creative force to things and gels musicians together socially," said Flowers of Hell's Greg Jarvis in a statement. "He's the sort of precariously employed creative type that makes Toronto's culture what it is — but sadly he and too many like him slip through the cracks of the system and need help from friends in such times of need."
 
Morris' Controller.Controller bandmate Nirmala Basnayake added: "Raising awareness about the risk of stroke to people in the underfunded 20-64 age bracket is important to all of us, and we are working to bring more attention to that issue, but the heart of this fundraiser is Ronnie. He's our brother and our friend and a talented musician who is missed in the Toronto scene. We love him and want him to return to making music. This fundraiser will help him get there."
 
The 37-year-old Morris is currently recuperating at his family's home. The Recovery Fund has raised more than $45,000, though the musician's ongoing rehabilitation costs are estimated at $200,000.

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