Smashing Pumpkins Chicago Benefit Show

Leone was walking to a Chicago bar when he came across a man beating his wife on the 1300th block of Ohio St.

The bassist was able to temporarily subdue the attacker – who was twice his size – but while waiting for police to arrive the attacker turned on Leone and severely beat him. The couple walked away and Leone was left lying unconscious in the street.

After undergoing emergency brain surgery with a third of his skull being removed to alleviate swelling, Leone is now awaiting additional brain surgery to reapply the removed portion of his skull.

Although in stable condition the bassist needs help paying for his surgery and medical bills because his medical insurance had expired just two months before the incident. That’s where the Smashing Pumpkins and their fans come in.

The benefit concert, which also features Kill Hannah, takes place July 27 at Metro/Smart Bar in Chicago.

The majority of tickets to the show are being raffled off with each raffle ticket priced at $10. Individuals can enter the raffle as many times as they wish. Each winner will receive two nontransferable tickets to the show.

Tickets are on sale now at MetroChicago.com. The sale ends Saturday, July 24 at 2 p.m. Winners will be notified via email that day at 5 p.m.

A limited amount of balcony VIP tickets can be purchased for $100 each.  A limited number of soundcheck VIP tickets are also available for $500. These tickets feature a seat at a table in the balcony along with an invitation to a 30-minute soundcheck meet and greet/photo with the Pumpkins and merchandise items.

All proceeds from the raffle and concert go to the Matthew Leone Fund at Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, a non profit organization that provides financial assistant to musicians struggling with illness, disability or age-related problems.

Nathan Leone, Matthew’s twin brother and Madina Lake bandmate, released the following statement on behalf of the bassist:

“Matthew and I have been completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of compassion and support during this impossible time. It has proved that there are far more amazing people in the world than any other kind and we’re grateful beyond words. Being among the biggest Smashing Pumpkins fans in the world, we still haven’t processed the fact that they are contributing in such an unprecedented way. Not only is this going to be a monumental event in our lives but more importantly it’s a massive statement against domestic violence, violence against women and violence in general.”

Alleged suspect Justin Pivec is out on bail pending an upcoming hearing. He’s been charged with aggravated battery causing serious bodily harm.

Click here to purchase tickets to the benefit show.