The world is a shitty place some times.

Scratch that. Most of the time.

I recently learned through the grapevine that Top Heavy Crush drummer Geoff Reading has been diagnosed with cancer. I could list the bevy of influential northwest bands Reading has played with, but all you really need to know is he’s a top-notch individual and a truly nice guy.

This Saturday, June 23, there’s a benefit for Reading at El Corazon in Seattle. New American Shame, Redneck Girlfriend, Alien Crime Syndicate, Zeke, The Jet City Fix, Sammy Barret and others will all be playing in support.

More info can be found at www.myspace.com/helpgeoffout.

If at all possible, make it to this show. If you can’t, make a donation at the Web site.  â€" Matt Driscoll