After tour bus accident, Scranton metal band Threatpoint raise funds with Pittston benefit show on April 26
About two weeks ago, Threatpoint was on another run of tour dates across the country when their drive home turned into a terrifying moment that every touring act dreads.
According to the Scranton-based thrash/groove metal band, the wheel bearings seized on their tour bus, starting a chain reaction that essentially left the vehicle without brakes as they skidded down the highway going 65 mph, sending sparks through the air for about a mile. Thankfully, they were able to stop the bus without rolling over and no one was hurt, but they were stuck in Ohio with a bunch of bills that, to a small, independent band with day jobs and no record label support, can be financially crippling. The state police and towing service told them that they are lucky to be alive.
“The quick estimate was $7,000… on top of the wrecking bills, which were $1,500, the car rental’s $500 to get home, and the hotel bills… we’re well on over $10,000. And the van just has too many miles to put $10,000 in, nor do we have $10,000,” vocalist Chris James said. “We’re at the mercy of our own pockets.”
As of now, this means that Threatpoint must cancel many of their upcoming tour dates, including festivals they have been playing for years, so Voodoo Queen Management has started a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign to help them recoup their losses and get back on the road sooner rather than later. It has currently raised $383 of its $8,000 goal.
The band has also just announced a benefit show at the Border Bar (170 Laurel St., Pittston) on Friday, April 26 at 9 p.m. with performances by Slapjaw, Corners of Sanctuary, Brotality, and Sonic Salvation, along with radio DJ and on-air personality Freddie Fabbri spinning metal tracks throughout the night.
Admission is $10 at the door, and there will be cookout food, drinks, and basket raffles for purchase.
Formed in 2012, Threatpoint is currently supporting their fifth studio album, “Salvation,” which was released in February. The group is known for their ability to whip crowds into a frenzy and gain new fans wherever they play, priding themselves on delivering positive messages through their aggressive music and remaining down-to-earth and approachable offstage.
In a recent Facebook video reaching out to fans to explain their bus situation, drummer CJ Krukowski noted that bands they were set to play with in Canada and Maine are now donating their profits from those shows to Threatpoint, demonstrating the camaraderie they often talk about in their songs. The band still has to go back to Ohio to pick up their gear and personal items out of the bus, but they remain hopeful as they focus on shows back home in Northeastern Pennsylvania for the time being.
“We’re making the absolute best of this by enjoying all the support from everyone and for all the bands who are coming together on such short notice,” the band said. “We appreciate it!”
Learn more about Threatpoint, the creation of “Salvation” at JL Studios in Olyphant, how their current lineup came to be and why they think it’s their best yet, what keeps them motivated seven years in, touring the United States, the local metal scene and recent venue changes, working with Voodoo Queen Management, and more in Episode 97 of the NEPA Scene Podcast:
