Nexxius frontman Izac Atkinson’s cancer diagnosis sparks special gig at The Warehouse

Townsville’s music community has rallied together for a special charity gig in support of a teen metalhead, after his shock cancer diagnosis. Find out the details.

Townsville thrash band Nexxius- Izac Atkinson, Bien Nguyen, Christian Neeb, Benjamin Lindgren, Randell Cortes. Picture: Supplied.

Following a shock cancer diagnosis for one of Townsville’s brightest up and coming musical talents, local musicians and industry players have rallied together to organise a special all-ages charity gig on Friday night.

Founded by students from Kirwan State High School, thrash metal band Nexxius has been making waves in the local music scene, earning a coveted support slot with Native Tongue, and playing at The Warehouse’s all-ages local band showcase The Loading Dock at the start of June.

Through their social media, the young band made the shock announcement last week that their front man and guitarist Izac Atkinson had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“We are very lucky that it has been found in early stages and that he’s been flown to Brisbane for the proper treatment. It’s Izac’s wish that the band functions as we are as we wait for him to rejoin us after this brief hiatus,” Nexxius said.

“We are going to stay strong, not only for our bandmate but for our friend and give him all the support he needs. Stay strong brother. F--k cancer.”

The Warehouse venue booker Tim Pellegrino. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Regarding Nexxius as one of the most promising bands in the pipeline of NQ’s music scene, The Warehouse venue booker Tim Pellegrino was devastated by the Izac’s health setback.

Fielding texts with offers of support, he got the ball rolling behind the scenes to see what could be done to help.

“We already had a show coming up that Nexxius was playing, and they still wanted to play the show … so (we decided to) turn it into more of a community event,” Mr Pellegrino said.

Townsville thrash band Nexxius- Izac Atkinson, Bien Nguyen, Christian Neeb, Benjamin Lindgren, Randell Cortes. Picture: Supplied.

Townsville thrash band Nexxius led by frontman Izac Atkinson, with Bien Nguyen, Christian Neeb, Benjamin Lindgren, Randell Cortes. Picture: Supplied.

“With Izac and his families’ blessing, we are turning this Friday’s Hidden Intent headline show into an extra special event, with hopes of raising some much needed funds to help support families going through similar times.

“Just to let the young ones know that the live music scene in Townsville has got their back.”

After refunding tickets, Mr Pellegrino converted the 18+ event into an all ages gig to enable Nexxius’ young fanbase to attend and make a donation at the door – going towards Izac’s charity of choice.

A special charity gig will take place at The Warehouse on Friday, featuring Hidden Intent, Nexxius, Varrim, and Alone @ Last. Picture: Supplied.

He said the venue would pay all of the bands, ensuring there was plenty fuel in the tank for South Australia’s Hidden Intent as the thrashy road warriors continue their “Terrorform” album launch tour.

“It’s such a horrible thing to bring us all together, but sometimes if you can see a bit of positivity, you can show people that there’s more to it than just coming to a show, drinking booze, and banging your head,” he said.

Hidden Intent will be supported by Nexxius, deathcore band Varrim, and instrumental progressive metal band Alone @ Last at The Warehouse on Friday, July 4.

For more information, visit: warehousetownsville.com.au and instagram.com/nexxius_band.

Townsville thrash band Nexxius- Izac Atkinson, Bien Nguyen, Christian Neeb, Benjamin Lindgren, Randell Cortes. Picture: Supplied.

Townsville thrash band Nexxius- Izac Atkinson, Bien Nguyen, Christian Neeb, Benjamin Lindgren, Randell Cortes. Picture: Supplied.

Townsville thrash band Nexxius- Izac Atkinson, Bien Nguyen, Christian Neeb, Benjamin Lindgren, Randell Cortes. Picture: Supplied.

Townsville thrash band Nexxius- Izac Atkinson, Bien Nguyen, Christian Neeb, Benjamin Lindgren, Randell Cortes. Picture: Supplied.

Originally published as Nexxius frontman Izac Atkinson’s cancer diagnosis sparks special gig at The Warehouse