Pageant's

by Kellie Behrendorff.

The River People exist in Madina Lake…

Bassist and founding member of Chicago band, Madina Lake, Matthew Leone left his brother Nathan’s appartment earlier last week to meet a friend for a drink only a block away. On the short walk over, Matthew became witness to a man beating his wife on the street.

Madina Lake bassist Matthew Leone, Warped Tour 2009. Photo by M. Lynn Malpass.

Anyone who has been in some sort of contact with the band, whether it be a minute or an hour, knows that Matthew is one of the most down to Earth human beings. No one could ever say a bad thing about him. He’s a smart man, a kind soul and now, in the eyes of many more, a hero.  Instead of watching from afar or walking away like many others would have done, Matthew stepped in and tried to help the woman, whom he had never met before. This gave some time for police to be called, but unfortunately Matthew’s heroic efforts came with a price and a very sad outcome.

Days later, Nathan Leone, Matthew’s twin, best friend and singer for the band, posted an announcement on his blog with small detail of what had happened to his brother. Matthew was severely beaten and left unconscious in the street by both the man and woman. As a result, a third of his skull was removed by surgeons to relieve swelling to his brain. The injuries Matthew suffered were horrific. A fractured skull, broken nose and his jaw broken in two places. How a person can do this to another human being is sickening.

With fans being kept updated via Nathan’s blog, it’s safe to say Matthew has everyone’s support and best wishes. With the news of the Leone’s not having health insurance, fans, friends and family have set up charities to help the brothers out. But not only that, they’ve set up charities and awareness campaigns against domestic violence, and other worthy, humanitarian causes in Matthew’s name, too. Just when you think you’ve lost faith in humanity, something like this happens; it’s been overwhelming for all who are a part of Matthew’s battle.

Chicago police arrested Justin Pivic, who was charged with the beating of his wife, and of Matthew. No more information about the arrest has yet been released.

After spending nearly a week in the hospital, Matthew was recently released, though he is scheduled for another surgery to have his skull re-attached on the 16th of July. Injuries to his brain will remain unknown until the swelling has subsided and his skull has been re-attached.

“He’s an angel, he’s a hero.” – Nathan Leone.

And don’t we all agree?

You can help Matthew by sending your donations in by visiting www.giveforward.org/matthewleone or pay a visit to Matthew’s donation page at Sweet Relief Musician’s Fund, a relief fund for career musicians. Plus, you can always support them by checking out Madina Lake at www.myspace.com/madinalake and picking up some of their music. Also, you can read about the “Matthew Leone Project”, a fan video project to support the brothers if you are a fan, or just want to send some words of encouragement.