From the Springfield (Illinois) Journal-Register, news of a benefit concert for Bill Laymon, longtime bassist of the David Nelson Band (and before that, the New Riders) and just as sweet a guy as I’ve ever known:
Medicinal music
Local performers unite to assist typhus-stricken bassist with billsMusic and modesty have been the best medicine for Bill Laymon’s medical concerns.Since the journeyman rock bassist and Springfield native contracted typhus from a flea near his Hawaii home, his depleted immune system has warded off encephalitis, he suffered something similar to a stroke and, now, a recurrence of bladder cancer.
Ostensibly, a long list of local talent performing for Laymon on Sunday will do so to raise money for his many medical bills not covered by health insurance.
Laymon acknowledges that purpose, but says that it’s not the top priority for him.
“Ultimately, the thing is to have a good party for Springfield,” Laymon says. “I have every belief I’m going to get over this health stuff.”
Laymon didn’t conceive “With a Little Help From His Friends,” an eight-hour benefit for the bassist kicking off at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Firefighters Postal Club, 940 West Lake Shore Drive.