We reported last week that Bob Otis, vocalist of Decibel Hall of Famers Dropdead, had been in a motorcycle crash and a gofundme had been set up to help out Otis with his considerable health-related fees. We since caught up with Dropdead guitarist Ben Barnett to find out how Otis is doing.
“After a second round of visits to two hospitals last Tuesday July 24, Bob is back home and getting more mobile every day,” Barnett told us on Friday, July 27. “Still in a lot of pain, but he has had a rotating cast if friends coming by to assist and keep him focused on the healing process.”
Barnett says that the gofundme has been a “huge help” and that friends from all over the place have been sending donations and notes of encouragement to Otis.
“Other than that, there are a few benefit shows in Providence in the works,” says Barnett. “We should have details soon. We are looking for raffle prize donations for the shows. If any people, labels, bands or businesses have anything they want to donate for that, they can mail them to: Bob Otis Recovery Fund c/o Armageddon Shop, 436 Broadway, Providence RI, 02909.”
The gofundme raised over $10,000 in one day (the goal was $15,000). As of Friday, July 27, it had surpassed its goal, sitting at $17,027. In regards to that initial 24-hour surge, Barnett says it makes him feel like “there’s a big family out there caring for each other.”
“It’s been overwhelming, the response has just been so positive,” says Barnett. “Bob is blown away.”
As for the benefit shows coming up in Providence, there will be one at Dusk on August 24 and one at AS220 on September 21, and Barnett says there’s a third in the works for October at Machines with Magnets.
“Details on all forthcoming,” says Barnett. “Got a few things to wrap up this week, then will have those booked and promoted properly pretty quickly.”
