The local music community is banding together for a fundraiser for one of the region’s favourite musicians.
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Tony Spizzica was diagnosed with esophageal cancer that has returned and is now in his adrenal glands.
Mockbells guitarist Michael Enever is organising the Spizz’s Gig fundraiser. It will raise money for Mr Spizzica’s wife and family on June 19 at the Hotel Shamrock.
A Go Fund Me account has raise more than $6500 in three weeks.
“The aim is to help out with expenses as well as show him how much everyone cares and is thinking about him,” Mr Enever said.
“It’s amazing how he has kept going with the drugs knocking him around. He just wants to do as much as can for as long as he can.”
Enever said there was no shortage of bands and musicians offering there services for the fundraiser.
“There are a lot of people that Tony has played with over the years,” he said.
“We are trying to fit in as many as we can but we just won’t have enough time.”
“We asked Tony if it was OK (to arrange the fundraiser). We asked if he wants to play and if he does only it will only be for a little bit. He is very grateful.”
Mr Spizzica is the bass player in Bendigo band The Mockbells as well as The Croakers, The Caberettos, The Golden Squares and many others.
He followed his passion for music after being a panel beater until his mid 40s.
Since earning his advanced diploma and bachelor of music he has run the music department at Echuca College.
“It’s blown me away the support we are getting from the colleges I work for and the Bendigo music community,” Mr Spizzica said.
“I never really dreamt that I would have that impact on anyone. All this was for me is someone playing music. I love my bass and have had good times and shared my music.”
Mr Spizzica said the doctors and professionals he sees are doing all they can.
“I’ll keep going as long as I can. The support from my wife and kids is phenomenal,” he said.
“The cancer was caused from years of reflux. So my advice to anyone who suffers reflux is to treat it seriously and get it looked at.”
Spizz’s Gig is on at the Hotel Shamrock from 2pm on June 19. For more find Spizz’s Gig on Facebook.
To donate to the Go Fund Me account head to www.gofundme.com/27krh8hw