Chuck Schuldiner — guitar god, father of death metal and an inspiration to countless fans — put his seminal band, Death, to rest in 1999 and began a new era. The Florida-based musician entered the studio with his new band, Control Denied, when he began to feel a pain in the back of his head. Waiting until he finished recording the album, Chuck (who had no health insurance) finally went to a doctor and learned the cause of the pain was a rare brain tumor.
When his medical treatment began costing more than $25,000 per month, a fund was set up and bands from all heavy-metal genres raised money by donating items for an online charity auction (“Chuck aid,” Hot & Bothered, Metro Times, June 6-12, 2001).
Chuck regained his health and entered the studio to record the second Control Denied album. During the process, he suddenly became ill again and had to return to the hospital. After a valiant fight, Chuck lost his battle with cancer on Dec. 13, 2001.
The remaining members of Control Denied will complete the album to honor Chuck’s memory. Bassist Steve DiGiorgio wants fans to, “Be proud of his work, his heart still beats for us every time we listen to his songs, because his heart is in his work.” Donations are still being accepted to help the Schuldiners pay off the rest of the substantial hospital bills. Checks, made payable to “Charles Schuldiner Medical Fund,” can be sent to CSMF c/o Marty Music Group, PO Box 42323, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. For more information, call 412-390-4088 or visit hammerheartamerica.com/makeadifference.html.
Editorial assistant Nicole Jones contributed to The Hot & the Bothered, which is edited by George Tysh. E-mail him at [email protected].
