Punk colleagues donate to Sick of It All singer’s fight against cancer

Lou Koller’s colleagues from the punk community came to his aid via GoFundMe

Rancid, Dropkick Murphys and AFI are among the bands, artists and fans who have donated more than $200,000 to a GoFundMe campaign for “Sick of It All” singer Lou Koller following his recent cancer diagnosis.

As we reported last week, Koller was diagnosed with a tumor in his esophagus, forcing Sick of It All to cancel their European tour. A GoFundMe campaign was then launched, revealing that the tumor was cancer (adenocarcinoma), and many of his peers in the punk rock community have donated to help him with medical bills and loss of income during his touring hiatus.

Of the over 4,000 donations received so far, the aforementioned bands Rancid, Dropkick Murphys and AFI have made the largest donations, each donating $5,000.

In addition, AFI frontman Davey Havok donated $2,000 of his own accord (under his birth name David Marchand), and scene veterans Hot Water Music and Snapcase each contributed $1,000 to the fundraiser, as did Obituary singer John Tardy and Napalm Death singer Barney Greenway.

Lou’s brother and bandmate, Sick of It All guitarist Pete Koller, organized the GoFundMe campaign and posted the following on the page:

“My big brother Lou… has been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. He has a cancerous tumor in his esophagus. We, Sick of It All, have cancelled touring for the rest of the year and will not tour until Lou gets over this… As you know, touring is the lifeline for a band like Sick of It All. If you could help him out, it would be greatly appreciated.”

After announcing the diagnosis, Lou released a video statement expressing optimism that he would be cancer-free in time for Sick of It All to return to the stage later this year.

“Thanks for all your support. I hope to beat this thing and see you again at the end of summer…or maybe the end of winter,” he said.

To support the fundraiser for Lou Koller, visit the GoFundMe page.