It's so easy to imagine the worst of the rock and roll stereotypes when thinking of musicians in rock and metal bands -- visions of excesses to the nth degree with very little care as to what's going on in the world aside from that stage, that limo, or that tour bus. But once you strip away these glamorized misconceptions what you have is actually far more humbling, and far more relatable than previously thought.
If 2016 has taught us anything thus far, it's that even great and talented, super famous musicians adored around the world can get sick and die -- just like us. And they also sometimes have to endure seeing those they know and love fighting illnesses, like cancer, and sadly, at times succumbing to those illnesses. And just like in dealing with tragedy at times, some of these musicians are far more like normal folk in other ways as well -- being fans of music groups themselves, and even collecting memorabilia just like the common fan of music does.
When thinking of something as small and simple as a guitar pick, it's worth will vary from person to person. To some a guitar pick is simply a little piece of plastic, to others – it's a tool used for playing a musical instrument, but nothing more. But then to some – a guitar pick can provide an abundance of fond memories of not just a favorite band, but in some cases one of their live performances. Silly as it may sound to people who aren't passionate about music, a guitar pick is easily something that can be treasured. And it's almost extraordinary how something as uncomplicated as a guitar pick, as well as the common bond shared by those who collect them, can bridge the gap and become somewhat of a selfless means of helping others. A common bond comes together for a common goal -- and in this case, that goal is to fight cancer.
Founded by a guitar pick collector himself, Lee Hutchinson, Pick Collectors Against Cancer was formed in September of 2015 in an effort to raise money for cancer charities and organizations. After already having worked with New Found Glory bassist, Ian Grushka, who initially donated several items for auction to support Pick Collectors Against Cancer - or PCAC - Grushka then came up with the idea to design a custom guitar pick for PCAC. The special pick sported the New Found Glory logo on one side and the PCAC logo on the other, and it was a smash hit that sold out in just six hours and raised over $1,000.
Then other bands and musicians got involved as well, one of which was bassist Mike Turbayne of the Massachusetts-based metal band, Shadows Fall. It all began when a fellow pick collector and friend of Hutchinson's had been speaking with Turbayne about donating some picks to PCAC for auction, and when the two finally connected Turbayne donated what Hutchinson described as a "pile of picks" to be auctioned off. AXS spoke recently with Turbayne about his participation in PCAC and why he decided to get involved.
Mike Turbayne: Being a pick collector myself my friend Kane Harris thought I'd want to check out PCAC and he was right. It started with just a bunch of guys who love collecting contributing to help Lee and has grown so much! When I saw what Lee was doing I had to be a part of it and was very honored to help contribute. This day and age I don't think there are many people out there that haven't had friends or family members affected by cancer in some way, and having a group of people come together to help support has just been amazing.
AXS: There are a lot of people out there who like to get a hold of band merchandise and then turn around and sell it for personal profit. So how did you know that you could trust Lee and PCAC with the items you were donating?
MT: Well, for starters, I met Lee through Kane, who was a good friend and let me know Lee was the real deal. I was really easy to see how passionate and professional Lee was with PCAC, and we quickly became friends. Lee goes to great lengths to 'weed out' people in the group looking for personal gains, as shown by his close monitoring of all auctions and social media sites. As soon as we started talking I felt not just comfortable but excited about working together.
AXS: After the initial donation of picks, when Lee talked to you about the idea of creating a custom pick with your Shadow's Fall logo on it as well as PCAC's logo too, what were your initial feelings? Had you already seen the custom pick they did for New Found Glory?
MT: My initial thought was 'that would be awesome!' Probably my exact words. Lee showed me the New Found Glory picks he was developing and they looked amazing. So when he asked if I'd be into doing a Shadows Fall pick with Matt [Bachand - Shadows Fall guitarist] I was the totally stoked. Putting the Shadows Fall logo and PCAC logo together on a pick to raise money for cancer? I'm in!
AXS: A common belief is that music can change the world - and in this case, with you guys getting involved with this cause you're doing exactly that. How does that make you feel in regards to your music being able to help others in need?
MT: It's amazing to be able to not only help people in need but also bring people together through music. Besides being able to donate to such a great cause as PCAC I've met and talked to other collectors, fans, and people who want to help and create a more positive environment. I think music is just the quickest, most accessible medium for people to bond and find a sort of kinship with. Being in a the metal scene, it's one big family. No other genre has such a die hard following and sense of family. Applying this to a organization such as PCAC really makes everyone come together.
AXS: In kind of a play on the whole challenge idea to get others involved, if you could choose a band or musician to get involved with this group who would it be? Or off of the top of your head, who else do you think might be interested in getting
MT: That is a really hard question. [laughs] I believe the sky is the limit, and with someone as dedicated and devoted as Lee I see a lot of bands helping the cause. That being said, I think a lot of the bands I would choose have already donated. Watching the support come in daily has been awesome, collectibles from bands such as Slipknot, New Found Glory, Anthrax...I love hearing from Lee about what bands he's talking to, going to see, developing picks for.
AXS: Although Shadows Fall is currently on a hiatus, what else are you doing these days?
MT: Anyone interested can follow me on Instagram @MIKEYT666, or check out my band TESTER on Facebook.
AXS: Is there anything else you'd like to add about PCAC?
MT: I'm just happy to be a part of PCAC, it's a really great cause with amazing people involved. Lee puts in a lot of work running the auctions, mailing the merchandise, sending in donations, it's really a full time job and he does it well. Also, I would like to thank Lisa at Ego Picks for her continued support of PCAC and for making some awesome picks!
If 2016 has taught us anything thus far, it's that even great and talented, super famous musicians adored around the world can get sick and die -- just like us. And they also sometimes have to endure seeing those they know and love fighting illnesses, like cancer, and sadly, at times succumbing to those illnesses. And just like in dealing with tragedy at times, some of these musicians are far more like normal folk in other ways as well -- being fans of music groups themselves, and even collecting memorabilia just like the common fan of music does.
When thinking of something as small and simple as a guitar pick, it's worth will vary from person to person. To some a guitar pick is simply a little piece of plastic, to others – it's a tool used for playing a musical instrument, but nothing more. But then to some – a guitar pick can provide an abundance of fond memories of not just a favorite band, but in some cases one of their live performances. Silly as it may sound to people who aren't passionate about music, a guitar pick is easily something that can be treasured. And it's almost extraordinary how something as uncomplicated as a guitar pick, as well as the common bond shared by those who collect them, can bridge the gap and become somewhat of a selfless means of helping others. A common bond comes together for a common goal -- and in this case, that goal is to fight cancer.
Founded by a guitar pick collector himself, Lee Hutchinson, Pick Collectors Against Cancer was formed in September of 2015 in an effort to raise money for cancer charities and organizations. After already having worked with New Found Glory bassist, Ian Grushka, who initially donated several items for auction to support Pick Collectors Against Cancer - or PCAC - Grushka then came up with the idea to design a custom guitar pick for PCAC. The special pick sported the New Found Glory logo on one side and the PCAC logo on the other, and it was a smash hit that sold out in just six hours and raised over $1,000.
Then other bands and musicians got involved as well, one of which was bassist Mike Turbayne of the Massachusetts-based metal band, Shadows Fall. It all began when a fellow pick collector and friend of Hutchinson's had been speaking with Turbayne about donating some picks to PCAC for auction, and when the two finally connected Turbayne donated what Hutchinson described as a "pile of picks" to be auctioned off. AXS spoke recently with Turbayne about his participation in PCAC and why he decided to get involved.
Mike Turbayne: Being a pick collector myself my friend Kane Harris thought I'd want to check out PCAC and he was right. It started with just a bunch of guys who love collecting contributing to help Lee and has grown so much! When I saw what Lee was doing I had to be a part of it and was very honored to help contribute. This day and age I don't think there are many people out there that haven't had friends or family members affected by cancer in some way, and having a group of people come together to help support has just been amazing.
AXS: There are a lot of people out there who like to get a hold of band merchandise and then turn around and sell it for personal profit. So how did you know that you could trust Lee and PCAC with the items you were donating?
MT: Well, for starters, I met Lee through Kane, who was a good friend and let me know Lee was the real deal. I was really easy to see how passionate and professional Lee was with PCAC, and we quickly became friends. Lee goes to great lengths to 'weed out' people in the group looking for personal gains, as shown by his close monitoring of all auctions and social media sites. As soon as we started talking I felt not just comfortable but excited about working together.
AXS: After the initial donation of picks, when Lee talked to you about the idea of creating a custom pick with your Shadow's Fall logo on it as well as PCAC's logo too, what were your initial feelings? Had you already seen the custom pick they did for New Found Glory?
MT: My initial thought was 'that would be awesome!' Probably my exact words. Lee showed me the New Found Glory picks he was developing and they looked amazing. So when he asked if I'd be into doing a Shadows Fall pick with Matt [Bachand - Shadows Fall guitarist] I was the totally stoked. Putting the Shadows Fall logo and PCAC logo together on a pick to raise money for cancer? I'm in!
AXS: A common belief is that music can change the world - and in this case, with you guys getting involved with this cause you're doing exactly that. How does that make you feel in regards to your music being able to help others in need?
MT: It's amazing to be able to not only help people in need but also bring people together through music. Besides being able to donate to such a great cause as PCAC I've met and talked to other collectors, fans, and people who want to help and create a more positive environment. I think music is just the quickest, most accessible medium for people to bond and find a sort of kinship with. Being in a the metal scene, it's one big family. No other genre has such a die hard following and sense of family. Applying this to a organization such as PCAC really makes everyone come together.
AXS: In kind of a play on the whole challenge idea to get others involved, if you could choose a band or musician to get involved with this group who would it be? Or off of the top of your head, who else do you think might be interested in getting
MT: That is a really hard question. [laughs] I believe the sky is the limit, and with someone as dedicated and devoted as Lee I see a lot of bands helping the cause. That being said, I think a lot of the bands I would choose have already donated. Watching the support come in daily has been awesome, collectibles from bands such as Slipknot, New Found Glory, Anthrax...I love hearing from Lee about what bands he's talking to, going to see, developing picks for.
AXS: Although Shadows Fall is currently on a hiatus, what else are you doing these days?
MT: Anyone interested can follow me on Instagram @MIKEYT666, or check out my band TESTER on Facebook.
AXS: Is there anything else you'd like to add about PCAC?
MT: I'm just happy to be a part of PCAC, it's a really great cause with amazing people involved. Lee puts in a lot of work running the auctions, mailing the merchandise, sending in donations, it's really a full time job and he does it well. Also, I would like to thank Lisa at Ego Picks for her continued support of PCAC and for making some awesome picks!