3/11/09 -- A week ago, Detholz! beloved drummer, Andrew Sole, had a herniated disk in his back flare up that has taken him completely out of commission for at least a month. We had to cancel a much-anticipated show at Bottom Lounge (Chicago) on 3/28.

Anyway, here's the skinny from Andrew himself:

"I went to the back center this past Thursday because I was having some left leg pain coming from my lower spine, something I haven't had in 6 years since they treated me. As I suspected the diagnosis was a disk problem. So they put me on the VAX-D table right away to start treatment. I'll be going in every day 5 days a week for the next 2 weeks, possibly more if I need it. Then after that is recovery and Physical Therapy time. Not sure for how long.

My restrictions are, I can't lift more than 10lbs. I should try not to sit or stand for more than 1/2 hour. I've not been playing drums for now except for lessons if I have to demonstrate a simple rhythm for a student.

Any prayers are welcomed and appreciated. "

If any of you know Andrew, you know drums are his life-- he makes his living teaching drums and playing professionally. This is a crushing blow for him, physically and financially. To boot, the disk decided to act up just in time for taxes!

So, in the spirit of "Save The Awesome Cool Dudes" a few years ago when our friends from Austin had all of their equipment stolen, I've set up a "Save! Andrew! Sole!" fund that will be active for the next month or so. Musicians are ALWAYS getting the short end of the stick financially-- most of us pay for our own benefits & get paid very little to ply our trade. Andrew's expenses as a result of his herniated disk are punishing, to say the least.

If you can spare a little or if you can spare a lot, it will help a good-hearted musician in need.  Click the button to donate:

To be clear: these funds will go to my personal Paypal account, which I will then transfer to Andrew directly. I'm not going through official band channels so the gift won't be taxed to him as income. On behalf of Andrew, thanks!

-Jim Cooper, Detholz! & Baby Teeth