February 10, 2017
Photo courtesy of Facebook/Freddy Pompeii
A concert will be held in South Philadelphia on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, to benefit Freddy Pompeii, a well-known punk rocker who's battling cancer.
To those who really know punk rock, Freddy Pompeii is a legend with local roots.
With his notoriety coming through his time with The Viletones – a Canadian punk band from Toronto – the West Catholic High School grad was born and raised in South and Southwest Philadelphia.
Now 70 years old, Pompeii finds himself battling lung cancer. He also needs help covering his medical bills. He’s a beloved figure in that circle.
That’s why friends hosted a concert that raised roughly $6,000 in his name in Toronto last weekend. And that’s why local friends will do the same on Sunday in South Philadelphia.
The “Valentine Benefit for Freddy Pompeii” will take place at Connie’s Ric Rac at 1132 S. Ninth St.
“This is to raise money to directly support Freddy and help ease the pain,” according to an announcement for the show. “Philadelphia loves Freddy!”
Pompeii said Friday that he's not feeling strong enough to go to the event itself, but the fact that his friends in two countries are rallying to his cause is humbling.
"I get choked up when I think about it," he said. "It's flattering. I knew I had good friends, but it means so much to see the energy my friends are putting into this."
The show – which features the Dead Milkmen, The Tough S---- and Decontrol among a litany of like-minded bands – starts at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available online for $20 or at the door.
Sunday, Feb. 12
2 p.m.
Connie's Ric Rac
1132 S. Ninth St.
(267) 908-4311
