Wilkes-Barre’s Curse of Sorrow singer loses home in fire, NEPA music scene bands together in support
Two families lost everything in a fire that destroyed their apartment building in Ashley in Luzerne County early Sunday morning. Unfortunately, one of them was the family of Nick Brandolino, better known to local music fans as Nick Necro, vocalist of Wilkes-Barre “grave rock” band The Curse of Sorrow.
Six different fire departments fought the blaze, which reduced the building to rubble. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Thankfully, no one was hurt, but Brandolino and his wife and two young daughters, along with their cats and dogs, are in need of basic living supplies. Within hours, friends started collecting donations through Facebook and a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign, which has already reached over $3,300 of its $25,000 goal. It wasn’t long before the Northeastern Pennsylvania music community pitched in as well.
Former Cause of Affliction singer Gary Edrington has already organized a benefit show for the Brandolino family set for Sunday, June 11 at The V-Spot (906 Providence Rd., Scranton). Acts confirmed so far include Beyond Fallen, Traverse the Abyss, Fatal Misconception, Suicide Conspiracy, Insomnia Station, The Aegean, The Way, and an acoustic set by Johnny Jones, with more to be announced.
There’s no doubt that The Curse of Sorrow’s fans, affectionately known as the Crypt Crew, will be out in full force as well. Formed in 2006, the band’s infectious grave rock – a mix of hard rock, metal, and horror influences – and energetic live performances garnered them a dedicated following that has stayed with them even after they went on hiatus in 2014, eventually returning for several shows in 2016.
Over the years, they’ve opened for national acts like Gwar, Wednesday 13, Joey Belladonna, Dope, The Ataris, Suicide City, and 12 Stones and released three full-length albums – “Six Feet South,” “The Uninvited,” and “Only a Shadow Remains” – and one EP, “I Still Dig,” of entertaining songs that spun dark stories like musical horror films.
Staying positive after this devastating fire, Brandolino publicly posted a picture on Facebook of his iconic “Nick Necro” boots that he wears on stage, often with makeup, torn-up pants, chains, and a handkerchief tied around his head. They survived the fire somehow, which many are taking as a sign of better things to come. If anything, it will certainly inspire some great music in the future.
NEPA Scene will update with details on the benefit concert as more information becomes available.
