http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/after-a-fatal-shooting-old-friends-rally-for-parmalee/Content?oid=1826600&mode=print
Two benefits this weekend will raise money for Parmalee drummer Scott Thomas, who was shot in September.
When Parmalee singer Matt Thomas heard a knock on the door of his RV, he assumed it was only one of his bandmates. Parmalee, the group he fronts with his younger brother Scott and two longtime friends, had just played in Rock Hill, S.C. They were stowing their gear, preparing to travel to another tour stop. But when Matt opened the door, he didn't find his fellow players.
Instead, two men burst in and attempted to rob him. One was armed. Scott emerged from the rear with his own handgun, demanding that the robbers leave. The gunfight that followed left Scott and one assailant injured, the other dead. Scott Thomas was shot three times early in the morning of Sept. 21; he's not the only one who's had to heal.
"We're getting better every day," says Matt Thomas when asked how his brother is doing. "We're progressing. We're in a lot better shape than we were a month and a half ago."
For Parmalee, that "we" is important. They've been a band since 2001. Scott's recovery has been tedious, and it continues to hit the band and its supporters hard. Recently released from Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, Scott endured four major surgeries. He's recuperating now outside of Greenville. Scott had health insurance, but the bills have piled up to over $500,000—more than his insurance will cover. The band can't make money if it can't play. Between medical expenses and the members' regular cost of living, the need for help is immediate.
Luckily, support has been generous: Benefits have already been held in Greenville, Greensboro, Charlotte and once before in Raleigh. This weekend, at least nine bands will play two shows at Raleigh's Lincoln Theatre to raise more money. It's an incredible display of support that Mike Edwards, an organizer for this weekend's event and a longtime friend of the Thomas family, attributes to Parmalee's vast network of relatives and friends.
"Being earnest and working hard at your craft and making friends wherever you go," he says, "it kind of snowballs."
For Parmalee, there's more at work here than people who enjoy their music. Scott and Matt's late father, Jerry, played with his sons in the Thomas Brothers Band. He was also part of a network of Greenville musician friends who have remained strong with reunions and events since the early '70s. Beginning with a benefit for Burlington folksinger Kitty West about nine years ago, Edwards and others in this group have often banded together to help those of their kind who hit hard times.
"For a long time, the reunions were just about parties and having fun," Edwards says, laughing proudly at how their focus has shifted. "It's just a good way for us to get together and have some fun and raise some money."
This week's benefit is an extension of that camaraderie. Sunday's bill includes Americana acts ripe with connections to Greenville and the Thomas family. Saturday's lineup is culled from harder rock acts that are contemporaries of Parmalee, themselves a hybrid of Pearl Jam and Lynyrd Skynyrd. There's a direct connection through headliner Untold. Drummer Jonathan Wilson's family has been friends with the Thomases for years.
Funds from such shows have kept Parmalee on its feet and given Scott's friends and family time to be with him. More important, the generosity has made the band believe things can get better.
"It's allowed us to keep pushing forward and keep him moving on and keep the positive environment," says Matt of the community connections. "I'm not closer to anybody than I am to him."
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Recommended Scott Thomas Benefit with Untold, Colourslide, 5 Gallon Pale, Katelyn Clampett @ Lincoln Theatre
Sat., Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Recommended Scott Thomas Benefit with The Stegmonds, Willie Painter Band, Big Mama E & the Cool, Purple School Bus, Allison King Band @ Lincoln Theatre
Sun., Nov. 28, 3 p.m.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
15 Bands play two-day benefit for Parmalee today and tomorrow Nov 6 & 7
Charlotte Takes a Stand a benefit for Scott Thomas of Parmalee Day 1: with Preacher Stone, One Big Love, Eastern Sky, Jonas Sees Color, Damsel Down Seventh Epic Echo Code, Falling through April, Abandoned at Amos Southend, Charlotte; Acoustic Sets by Pain After Death (metal); Manic (rock) at Common Market-Plaza Midwood, Charlotte; Music 4 More Benefit with The School of Rock, Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights, Sun Domingo, Elonzo at the Double Door Inn, Charlotte; One Another, Joint Damage, Low Sky at The Milestone, Charlotte; Simplified, Honor By August at the Visulite Theater, Charlotte; Matrimony; Cary Ann Hearst, John Howie, Jr. and the Sweethearts, Caleb Caudle and the Bayonets at The Evening Muse, Charlotte; The Straight 8's at Puckett's Farm Equipment, Charlotte;
SUNDAY
Charlotte Takes a Stand Benefit for Scott Thomas of Parmalee Day 2 with Steel Standing, NIHM, Luna's Lament, Beyond the Fade, Shadowbox , more at Amos Southend, Charlotte; Love Colt, Israel Darling, Chasing Pedestrians at Tremont Music Hall, Charlotte;
SUNDAY
Charlotte Takes a Stand Benefit for Scott Thomas of Parmalee Day 2 with Steel Standing, NIHM, Luna's Lament, Beyond the Fade, Shadowbox , more at Amos Southend, Charlotte; Love Colt, Israel Darling, Chasing Pedestrians at Tremont Music Hall, Charlotte;
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Parmalee Drummer Released from Charlotte Hospital!
Parmalee drummer Scott Thomas is out of the hospital more than a month after being shot three times during a thwarted robbery in South Carolina.
A statement released at 1:30 p.m. Monday said Thomas, 37, has been released from Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, where he underwent several surgeries for wounds suffered outside a Rock Hill, S.C., nightclub on Sept. 21. The statement did not specify when Thomas was released.
“Scott will convalesce and continue his recovery in an undisclosed treatment facility,” according to the statement. “The Parmalee family asks that Scott be allowed to recover without unnecessary distraction and his privacy be respected.”
Thomas suffered extensive damage to his femoral artery and endured significant swelling that required dialysis treatment.
The swelling continues to be a problem in Thomas' right leg, according to the statement.
Doctors have had to perform a fasciotomy, where the connective tissue surrounding the muscles, blood vessel and nerves in that leg are cut to relieve swelling, according to the statement.
They believe it needs to remain open to aid in the fluid removal, the release said.
“He does not need to remain hospitalized while waiting for this reduction of fluid to occur,” the release said. “Scott will be able to continue to remove fluid, heal and perform physical therapy outside of a hospital environment.
“Scott has big steps remaining on an extremely long road of recovery,” it said.
Thomas was shot when two men, identified as Dytavis Hinton, 22, and Demario Burris, 22, entered the band's bus and demanded money at gunpoint.
Thomas exchanged gunfire with the assailants. Burris was killed at the scene. Hinton also was shot and was treated for his injuries.
He is in jail awaiting trial on charges of murder, attempted murder, burglary, attempted armed robbery and possession of a gun during a violent crime in South Carolina.
“Scott will battle the pain of the existing condition to induce proper healing. Scott's chance of future hospitalization or outpatient treatment is undetermined and inconclusive at this date,” the release said.
“The factors that determine Scott's ultimate health and restored condition are contingent upon prayer, motivation and hard work.”
Individuals who want to assist Thomas and his band mates can make donations at www.helpparmalee.com.
A statement released at 1:30 p.m. Monday said Thomas, 37, has been released from Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, where he underwent several surgeries for wounds suffered outside a Rock Hill, S.C., nightclub on Sept. 21. The statement did not specify when Thomas was released.
“Scott will convalesce and continue his recovery in an undisclosed treatment facility,” according to the statement. “The Parmalee family asks that Scott be allowed to recover without unnecessary distraction and his privacy be respected.”
Thomas suffered extensive damage to his femoral artery and endured significant swelling that required dialysis treatment.
The swelling continues to be a problem in Thomas' right leg, according to the statement.
Doctors have had to perform a fasciotomy, where the connective tissue surrounding the muscles, blood vessel and nerves in that leg are cut to relieve swelling, according to the statement.
They believe it needs to remain open to aid in the fluid removal, the release said.
“He does not need to remain hospitalized while waiting for this reduction of fluid to occur,” the release said. “Scott will be able to continue to remove fluid, heal and perform physical therapy outside of a hospital environment.
“Scott has big steps remaining on an extremely long road of recovery,” it said.
Thomas was shot when two men, identified as Dytavis Hinton, 22, and Demario Burris, 22, entered the band's bus and demanded money at gunpoint.
Thomas exchanged gunfire with the assailants. Burris was killed at the scene. Hinton also was shot and was treated for his injuries.
He is in jail awaiting trial on charges of murder, attempted murder, burglary, attempted armed robbery and possession of a gun during a violent crime in South Carolina.
“Scott will battle the pain of the existing condition to induce proper healing. Scott's chance of future hospitalization or outpatient treatment is undetermined and inconclusive at this date,” the release said.
“The factors that determine Scott's ultimate health and restored condition are contingent upon prayer, motivation and hard work.”
Individuals who want to assist Thomas and his band mates can make donations at www.helpparmalee.com.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Parmalee Drummer Starts Physical Therapy
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Parmalee drummer Scott Thomas has reached another milestone in his recovery. He has started physical therapy.
Thomas was shot three times last month after a show at a South Carolina Club.
He has undergone several intense surgeries and also received dialysis. Thomas has been removed from dialysis and is undergoing physical and occupational therapy.
A date for his release has not been discussed yet, but band members say Thomas remains in great spirits.
Thomas was shot three times last month after a show at a South Carolina Club.
He has undergone several intense surgeries and also received dialysis. Thomas has been removed from dialysis and is undergoing physical and occupational therapy.
A date for his release has not been discussed yet, but band members say Thomas remains in great spirits.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Parmalee Shooting Suspect Arrested
A man has been arrested and charged for a shooting that nearly took the life of a local drummer.
Police say 22-year old Dytavis Hinton tried to rob members of the band Parmalee at a South Carolina nightclub on September 21st.
He was arrested Thursday and charged with murder, attempted murder, burglary, attempted armed robbery and possession of a gun during a violent crime.
The band's drummer, Scott Thomas, shot the robbers, killing one man and wounding Hinton. Thomas was shot several times and remains in the hospital.
Police say Hinton was charged with murder because someone was killed during the crime.
Police say 22-year old Dytavis Hinton tried to rob members of the band Parmalee at a South Carolina nightclub on September 21st.
He was arrested Thursday and charged with murder, attempted murder, burglary, attempted armed robbery and possession of a gun during a violent crime.
The band's drummer, Scott Thomas, shot the robbers, killing one man and wounding Hinton. Thomas was shot several times and remains in the hospital.
Police say Hinton was charged with murder because someone was killed during the crime.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
"SOMETIMES YOU SHOULD LEAVE SOME THINGS ALONE!"
By Doyle Bunn
On Monday night, if he was approached by the 2 scumbags that caused this tragic situation, and if they stated “ You guys have a sound we like, but we don’t have any money to get in”. My friend Scott would have replied,” C’mon Man, I will get you in .....and do you want a beer?” That is Scott Thomas. No, that is not what happened. That is not what went down at all.
I do not intend to glorify these scumbags, however, most scumbags have an alias or an a.k.a. I will assign them their proper street cred, a.k.a. names. We had shooter Demario Demarcus Burris a.k.a. as “dead scumbag”. We also had accomplice Dytavis Hinton a.k.a. “ NFL”, (Not For Long). This statement is no direct or veiled threat. Dytavis has shown himself to be on a path of self destruction. The old adage of “if you play with fire, eventually it will burn”. He has a choice to make, continue on a path of detrimental and predatory behavior and all the consequences that accompany it; or he can devote his life to rectification of past evils. He has a second chance, “NFL”, the choice sits squarely on your soul. Show yourself, your family, and the world that you are able to embrace and respect life. Life is a gift, embrace it everyday.
The fatal error of “dead scumbag” and “NFL” is that they have consistently shown, based on their prior criminal offenses, that they lack judgement and life skills. Monday night September, 20 2010 these disrespectful kids were willing to take honest, hard working peoples lives and livelihoods. They made an egregious error. They chose men who were willing to potentially die on there feet as the men they remain, rather than live on their knees at the feet of tyranny and evil.
Scott Thomas has been described above as the loving and generous person he is and will remain. However, as good as he is to people, he stood up to petty fatalistic thuggery. As strong as his love is, there is the other side. The side of what had to been done. He performed with bravery and honor. He did not contemplate his own safety, he reacted, and rendered the vile perpetrators impotent. He is a grown man, and knows that when confronted by evil, you must meet it at its level. He was wounded. He remains and will heal. He will return to be the strong man he was and continues to be in spite of his physical injury. “The Band” is not comprised of just four musicians. It is a group of thousands and thousands of people who love all the guys. This group of people have rallied around Scott, the families of the affected, and close friends. The ranks of this huge group have tightened. There are no weak links in this chain, there are no chinks in this armor. Love abides in the face of treachery and hate. This group will carry Scott forward and will ensure the future safety of all band and family members. This act has awakened a sleeping giant of people. People that will step forward to ensure that tyranny and evil will receive no quarter amongst us. James Taylor has a song that states “I have seen fire and I have seen rain”. With no disrespect to Mr. Taylor, we too have seen “Fire and Rain”. However, this group is not a bunch of acoustical guitar playing, bongo thumping peaceniks waiting to sing “kum by ya” as a reactionary encore. This group is a sect of hard working, honest, blue collar, rock and roll people. We say what we mean, and we mean what we say. We live by an honest man’s creed and will defend our own when necessary. We love our country, we pray for its restoration of honor among all. We are staunch believers of our 2nd amendment rights that were so righteously granted us by our Founding Fathers. If these perps were to have asked for a fist fight for whatever reason, Scott would have begged them to share a beverage and contemplate the course of their actions, and reflect on their personal similarities, and why it would be unnecessary. If they would have persisted and they had just been an annoyance he would have walked away using a man’s wisdom. If their fist fight request turned into a threat, he would have summoned his Carolina roots, his veteran days as a logger, and just plain good ol’ boy demeanor and STOMPED A MUD HOLE IN THEIR ASS AND WALKED IT DRY.
Is there a lesson here? Yes, SOMETIMES YOU SHOULD LEAVE SOME THINGS ALONE!
“IF YOU CALL OUT A WARRIOR, THEN YOU WILL GET A WARRIOR”
I love you brother, I ain’t going anywhere.
Rise,
Durty D
"Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8
On Monday night, if he was approached by the 2 scumbags that caused this tragic situation, and if they stated “ You guys have a sound we like, but we don’t have any money to get in”. My friend Scott would have replied,” C’mon Man, I will get you in .....and do you want a beer?” That is Scott Thomas. No, that is not what happened. That is not what went down at all.
I do not intend to glorify these scumbags, however, most scumbags have an alias or an a.k.a. I will assign them their proper street cred, a.k.a. names. We had shooter Demario Demarcus Burris a.k.a. as “dead scumbag”. We also had accomplice Dytavis Hinton a.k.a. “ NFL”, (Not For Long). This statement is no direct or veiled threat. Dytavis has shown himself to be on a path of self destruction. The old adage of “if you play with fire, eventually it will burn”. He has a choice to make, continue on a path of detrimental and predatory behavior and all the consequences that accompany it; or he can devote his life to rectification of past evils. He has a second chance, “NFL”, the choice sits squarely on your soul. Show yourself, your family, and the world that you are able to embrace and respect life. Life is a gift, embrace it everyday.
The fatal error of “dead scumbag” and “NFL” is that they have consistently shown, based on their prior criminal offenses, that they lack judgement and life skills. Monday night September, 20 2010 these disrespectful kids were willing to take honest, hard working peoples lives and livelihoods. They made an egregious error. They chose men who were willing to potentially die on there feet as the men they remain, rather than live on their knees at the feet of tyranny and evil.
Scott Thomas has been described above as the loving and generous person he is and will remain. However, as good as he is to people, he stood up to petty fatalistic thuggery. As strong as his love is, there is the other side. The side of what had to been done. He performed with bravery and honor. He did not contemplate his own safety, he reacted, and rendered the vile perpetrators impotent. He is a grown man, and knows that when confronted by evil, you must meet it at its level. He was wounded. He remains and will heal. He will return to be the strong man he was and continues to be in spite of his physical injury. “The Band” is not comprised of just four musicians. It is a group of thousands and thousands of people who love all the guys. This group of people have rallied around Scott, the families of the affected, and close friends. The ranks of this huge group have tightened. There are no weak links in this chain, there are no chinks in this armor. Love abides in the face of treachery and hate. This group will carry Scott forward and will ensure the future safety of all band and family members. This act has awakened a sleeping giant of people. People that will step forward to ensure that tyranny and evil will receive no quarter amongst us. James Taylor has a song that states “I have seen fire and I have seen rain”. With no disrespect to Mr. Taylor, we too have seen “Fire and Rain”. However, this group is not a bunch of acoustical guitar playing, bongo thumping peaceniks waiting to sing “kum by ya” as a reactionary encore. This group is a sect of hard working, honest, blue collar, rock and roll people. We say what we mean, and we mean what we say. We live by an honest man’s creed and will defend our own when necessary. We love our country, we pray for its restoration of honor among all. We are staunch believers of our 2nd amendment rights that were so righteously granted us by our Founding Fathers. If these perps were to have asked for a fist fight for whatever reason, Scott would have begged them to share a beverage and contemplate the course of their actions, and reflect on their personal similarities, and why it would be unnecessary. If they would have persisted and they had just been an annoyance he would have walked away using a man’s wisdom. If their fist fight request turned into a threat, he would have summoned his Carolina roots, his veteran days as a logger, and just plain good ol’ boy demeanor and STOMPED A MUD HOLE IN THEIR ASS AND WALKED IT DRY.
Is there a lesson here? Yes, SOMETIMES YOU SHOULD LEAVE SOME THINGS ALONE!
“IF YOU CALL OUT A WARRIOR, THEN YOU WILL GET A WARRIOR”
I love you brother, I ain’t going anywhere.
Rise,
Durty D
"Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8
Friday, October 1, 2010
3 concerts to be held for Parmalee drummer | Eyewitness News 9
3 concerts to be held for Parmalee drummer | Eyewitness News 9
GREENVILLE, N.C. - Fans of the local band Parmalee have their chance to show support for drummer Scott Thomas.
He was shot in an armed robbery attempt a couple weeks ago.
Thomas has had three surgeries since then and remains in critical condition tonight.
According to the band's MySpace site, Parmalee will hold three concerts to help raise money for Scott's family.
Parmalee will be at “Club Live” in Greenville tomorrow night at nine.
They're also scheduled to perform there Saturday and Sunday night.
GREENVILLE, N.C. - Fans of the local band Parmalee have their chance to show support for drummer Scott Thomas.
He was shot in an armed robbery attempt a couple weeks ago.
Thomas has had three surgeries since then and remains in critical condition tonight.
According to the band's MySpace site, Parmalee will hold three concerts to help raise money for Scott's family.
Parmalee will be at “Club Live” in Greenville tomorrow night at nine.
They're also scheduled to perform there Saturday and Sunday night.
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