Former DAMAGEPLAN Head Of Security To Be Honored With Charity Concert

Jeffery "Mayhem" Thompson, former head of security for DAMAGEPLAN who died December 8, 2004 at a nightclub shooting in Columbus, Ohio which also claimed the life of DAMAGEPLAN guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, will be honored with a special concert on Friday, July 13 at the Lakewood Theater in Dallas, Texas. This event will feature live music by six bands, including HILLBILLY ORCHESTRA, MOTHER TRUCKIN' SKULL DIGGERS, TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION, and MARK JOHN STERNAL. Special guests include Seth Thompson (Jeffery's brother),Officer James Niggemeyer, and rock author and photographer Chris A.

A new book, "A Vulgar Display of Power: Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa Villa", will also be on sale. It is written by Chris A., with a foreword by Officer Niggemeyer, and a memorial written by Frank Thompson. "A Vulgar Display of Power" is the authorized biography of Mayhem and two other heroes — audience member Nathan Bray and venue security member Erin Halk — who also lost their lives in the Alrosa Villa shooting. A book signing table will be set up at the venue.

Tickets are $10 at the door, and books will be sold for $16.00. The concert takes place on Friday, July 13 at 7pm, at the Lakewood Theater located at 1825 Abrams Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75214.

The mental disorder called Paranoid Schizophrenia is what drove the killer to cause these tragic deaths. Thus, the Thompson family has requested that this concert be for the benefit of an institution that assists in the campaign to treat and cure such a disease. "A Night of Mayhem" is a charitable event in which 100% of all proceeds from ticket and book sales will benefit a mental illness organization.

Jeffery "Mayhem" Thompson was truly larger than life. At 6-foot, 8 inches tall and tipping the scales at more than 350 pounds, his physical stature alone could support this statement. However, Mayhem was much more than a giant man. What he did with his life is a legacy that will shine on not only in the hearts of the people who knew and loved him, but the people who have yet to meet him. His is a story that continues to be told and will continue to inspire.

Jeffery was born on September 21, 1964, to Frank and Christine Thompson. He was the older brother to triplets Seth, Micah and Martin. During his 40 years on this earth, Mayhem became a master of building and repairing all things mechanical. A true Renaissance man, he was also a live actor at the Scarborough and Texas Renaissance Festivals, and a television actor for Ruffles Potato Chips and 7-11 commercials. He even appeared as a supporting actor on the hit series "Walker Texas Ranger". He was a radio shock jock sidekick for KEGL, a musician, a Dallas club bouncer, a personal bodyguard for celebrities and rock 'n' roll royalty, and head of security for the heavy metal band DAMAGEPLAN.

More than all of his professional titles combined, Mayhem was an extremely dedicated and loyal friend — the kind of friend whom death itself could not intimidate! Sadly, on December 8, 2004, while on the road in Columbus, Ohio with long-time friends Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul Abbott and the rest of the DAMAGEPLAN crew, Mayhem's life was taken away from us when a crazed gunman ran onto stage, senselessly attacking and killing guitarist Darrell Abbott. Mayhem was on the attacker in less than a second. Regardless of the four shots which were already fired, he was committed to protecting his friends and the audience from the armed killer. During the struggle, the killer fired two fatal shots at point blank range. Jeffery "Mayhem" Thompson died a hero, placing the safety of others ahead of himself. He fell with two other heroes — Bray and Halk, who bravely took to the stage to give assistance and subdue the killer. The rampage finally ended when first responding police officer James Niggemeyer shot and killed the attacker.