A slew of Aussie artists have donated their time and talents for a benefit concert for guitarist Stuart Fraser, who is battling lung cancer.
Fraser was a member of Noiseworks, before joining John Farnham’s touring band, who he has played with for 25 years. He has also played alongside Diesel in Jimmy Barnes’ live band on numerous occasions.
“I’ve played with Stuart since he was very young,” says Jimmy Barnes in a statement. “He’s one of the nicest people I know and one of the best guitar players in the business, it’s so great to see so many people in the music industry rally together for such a good human being.”
The ‘Playing It Forward’ benefit takes place at Melbourne’s Hisense Arena, on 28 June. The concert will earn money for Fraser, and his Help A Mate appeal, as well as Olivia Newton-John’s Wellness Centre, where Fraser undertook treatment, and music charity Support Act.
Newton-John recently revealed her breast cancer had returned. Her and Fraser are long-time friends, and will support each other through the ordeal.
“She sent me a text on Wednesday which was fantastic”, Fraser told news.com.au. “It said, ‘You and me, let’s do this together’.
“She’s incredible, she’s a survivor and a really genuine person.”
Fraser was diagnosed six months ago, after being a lifelong smoker.
“Part of me went, well, there’s no free rides,” he said, of his diagnosis. “Obviously I’ve stopped smoking, unfortunately it took something severe to make me quit.”
Frontier pre-sale tickets are available from next Tuesday, June 6 at 2pm, with general public sales beginning next Friday, June 9.
