He was known as the "Godfather of Ska," a respectful title given for his contributions to ska music. Born in 1927 in Cuba, Laurel Aitken conquered the world with his ska music since the late 50s. Financially, it hardly paid off for him, as others reaped the rewards. Thus, he was forced to perform on stage even in his 70s, already suffering from health issues, to secure a living for his family. The treatments for his illnesses consumed all his savings in old age, leading his booker and longtime friend Luca to organize a benefit concert to cover these costs. The funeral expenses were also borne by Luca and other friends after Aitken passed away from a heart attack on July 17, 2005, in a hospital in Leicester.
To support his surviving wife, who barely has enough money to survive, two more benefit concerts are now being organized. These will take place simultaneously in Bologna and Berlin. In Berlin's Kato, on October 22, for an entrance fee of 10 euros, The Special Guests, Yebo, The Mellers, Skalitzer, Voodoo Moon, and Ginsengbonbons will perform, all appearing without a fee. The entire proceeds will go to the survivors of Laurel Aitken.
More info: http://www.wasteofmind.de/laurel/
To support his surviving wife, who barely has enough money to survive, two more benefit concerts are now being organized. These will take place simultaneously in Bologna and Berlin. In Berlin's Kato, on October 22, for an entrance fee of 10 euros, The Special Guests, Yebo, The Mellers, Skalitzer, Voodoo Moon, and Ginsengbonbons will perform, all appearing without a fee. The entire proceeds will go to the survivors of Laurel Aitken.
More info: http://www.wasteofmind.de/laurel/
