A collective of thrash metal, etc. veterans will be uniting onstage at the DNA Lounge in San Francisco, CA on January 24th for a benefit performance. Current and former members of Death Angel, Exodus, Slayer, Testament, Forbidden, DRAIN, Heathen, Nevermore, Vain, Sacrilege B.C., Skinlab and D.R.I. will be playing that event, which is being held to raise funds for Death Angel co-founder Dennis Pepa.
Earlier this month, a crowdfunding campaign was launched for Pepa to aid in his battle against stage 4 duodenal cancer — a form of stomach cancer. Pepa handled bass and vocal duties in Death Angel, with his tenure running from 1982 through to 1991.
Additional sets at this benefit show will be played by Hirax, and P.O.S., the latter of whom feature Dennis‘ son Roman. Big Shrimp, a side project of Dennis‘, will join forces with that group onstage during the event. The following press release provided further details on what is planned for the show:
‘SAN FRANCISCO, CA — October 28, 2026 — Thrash metal veterans from some of the genre’s most influential bands will unite on Sunday, January 24, 2027, for HEAL AS ONE: A Benefit for Dennis Pepa, a special concert at San Francisco’s DNA Lounge supporting the Death Angel co-founder in his fight against Stage 4 cancer.
The event will feature AN EVENING WITH FRIENDS, an all-star gathering of musicians. Scheduled to appear are current and former members of Exodus, Slayer, Death Angel, Testament, Forbidden, DRAIN, Heathen, Nevermore, Vain, Sacrilege B.C., Skinlab, and D.R.I. Thrash metal veterans HIRAX will appear as very special guests, with additional performers and a special guest emcee to be announced. More to be announced soon.
As founding bassist and vocalist of Death Angel, Pepa helped shape the Bay Area thrash metal movement that influenced generations of musicians worldwide. Now, the community he helped build is coming together to support him.
A NIGHT OF MUSIC, FAMILY, AND BROTHERHOOD-
The evening will open with San Francisco punk band P.O.S. (Product Of Society), fronted by Dennis’s son, Roman Pepa. Dennis’s side project, Big Shrimp, will join P.O.S. to close their set, bringing two generations of the Pepa family’s musical legacy together onstage.The evening will also feature a special pop-up shop from Nomadic Inc., a venture founded by Dennis Pepa and his fiancée, Gema. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore Nomadic Inc.’s selection of organic tinctures, throat sprays, and other specialty products. The pop-up shop adds another personal dimension to the benefit, showcasing a business created by Dennis and Gema while bringing the community together in support of their family.
The performances reflect the spirit of Heal As One: musicians, friends, and family standing together to support one of their own.
ARTWORK ROOTED IN THRASH METAL HISTORY-
The official HEAL AS ONE concert poster features original artwork by legendary Bay Area rock artist Mark DeVito, whose work has helped define the visual identity of heavy music for more than four decades.Emerging from the San Francisco Bay Area’s thrash metal scene in the 1980s, DeVito created artwork for pioneering bands including Exodus and Legacy (later Testament) before going on to work with internationally renowned acts such as Metallica, Motörhead, and The Rolling Stones.
The poster also features a custom, hand-drawn Dennis Pepa logo created by Ashley Mitchell of the band VAIN, the artist responsible for designing Death Angel’s iconic original logo. Mitchell’s contribution brings another direct connection to the band’s early history, honoring Dennis’s legacy through the artwork of the artist who helped establish Death Angel’s visual identity.
Together, DeVito and Mitchell’s contributions bring two artists with deep roots in Bay Area thrash metal history together in support of one of the scene’s founding musicians.
STANDING TOGETHER FOR DENNIS-
Diagnosed with Stage 4 duodenal cancer in early 2026, Pepa faces mounting medical and living expenses following the unexpected loss of his longtime employment. Funds raised through the concert will help support his treatment and provide financial stability for Dennis, his fiancée Gemalyn, and his sons Maddox and Roman.In addition to live performances, the evening will feature exclusive benefit merchandise, auctions, fundraising activities, and opportunities for direct donations.
Supporters unable to attend in person will also have opportunities to participate through merchandise offerings and benefit auctions/raffles, allowing fans and friends around the world to contribute to Dennis’s fight against cancer.
Additional details about merchandise availability, auction items, and how to participate remotely will be announced in the coming weeks.
Those wishing to contribute immediately can donate through the official fundraising campaign:
Help Dennis Pepa Beat Cancer — GoFundMe
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dennis-pepa-beat-cancer‘
