FORMER Iron Maiden singer Blaze Bayley is headlining a heavy metal concert in memory of a Worcester musician.
Angel Of Rage, which started last year, is a fundraising concert dedicated to the memory of Anj Avraam, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2021 aged just 42.
Anj was actively involved with city music from the early 1990s, he was lead singer of thrash band X-10-8 and then Wisefleaf as well as being co-front man in the hip-hop/cross-genre band Case Closed.
The event is organised by Anj’s brother, Zenios ‘Xen’ Angeli who is from Droitwich Spa.
He said: “Tragically this type of story is not at all uncommon when it comes to this particular cancer.
“It’s unacceptable that more than half of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer die within three months. Survival rates have improved enormously for most cancers, yet for pancreatic cancer, this is not the case.
“Anj was a big inspiration to everyone around him and extremely loved by those who knew him, and will always be remembered as an energetic, talented, unique person who managed to cram so much into such a short life.”
Xen is hoping to raise £2000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK, doubling their fundraising target from last year.
Xen said he was delighted to have secured Blaze Bayley for the concert.
“My brother was an Iron Maiden fan since he was a kid.
“They were his favourite band and he absolutely loved Blaze Bayley so this is going to be a very significant occasion, having one of Anj’s favourite singers headline for us.
“It’s kind of poetic — and the fact that we are doing this for such a close-to-home cause makes it even more special.
“Music really does bring people together and can make a huge difference and that’s all we’re trying to do really.”
The concert takes place at The Marrs Bar in Worcester on September 6.
Visit universe.com/events/angel-of-rage-tickets-QRH6BV for tickets.
