Fans have reached out to show support after Cameron Heacock, the former frontman of American Head Charge, revealed that he is homeless and struggling with a fentanyl addiction.
Fans of the band were caught off-guard to see the nu metal singer appear on an episode of the Soft White Underbelly series recently. Created by Mark Laita, the YouTube series posts harrowing, unfiltered interviews with people who have had their lives impacted by major hardships including homelessness, addiction, crime, trafficking and more.
On the episode, the former frontman of American Head Charge was seen looking almost unrecognisable from his time in the band, and spoke candidly about his battle with fentanyl addiction. The struggle, he explained, has led to him losing his house and living on the streets of Los Angeles for “at least five or six years”.
“I’ve lost track, it’s been a long time,” he said, adding that he was aware that “a couple of friends were looking for” him.
He also spoke about his hopes to recover, and how he still has a strong passion for music that has often helped him during his hardships over the years. “It sucks, because I love music, I love making music, I love the whole process, I love touring, I love everything about it…I still have so much music in my heart,” he shared.
“I pour everything into the records when I make them. I have at least two, three records in my head that I wanna release. I mean, I only really wanna make these for myself. It’s like my therapy.”
The Soft White Underbelly appearance has led to countless fans reaching out to share words of support for Heacock, and trying to get in touch with him to help in any way they can.
“If you’re reading this Cam, there’s a lot of people in [Minnesota] who still love you and we’re rooting for you,” wrote one person in the comment section, while another added: “Cameron was my old friend from Baltimore over 30 years ago. If you ever scroll through the comments from this video and you happen to stumble upon my post, reach out to your old friends from Baltimore. We’re here for you man, if you need us.”
Among those looking to provide help and support for the singer is Holiday Kirk, editor of Nu Metal Agenda. After seeing the update about Heacock, Kirk shared a post sharing plans for a benefit show to be organised. This would celebrate the band’s second album, ‘The War Of Art’ in time for its 25th anniversary, and “donate the proceeds to Cameron’s recovery”.
“He is desperately gaunt, frail, and haunted. His black jacket looks like a bodybag. His voice, an awe inspiring instrument during AHC’s glory years, has been reduced to a whisper,” wrote Kirk on Nu Metal Agenda.
“This is intolerable. This is an unacceptable state of affairs. Nobody capable of music as grand, as brilliant, as ‘The War of Art’ should be living like this. Frankly, nobody should be living like this and it’s so goddamn fucking awful that we let anyone sleep on the fucking street without a second thought.
“But Cameron is one of ours. He is one of the greatest singers and songwriters that nu-metal has ever known. His music saved my life. And I can’t rest knowing that this is what his life has become.”
Kirk added that he was looking to hold the benefit show at First Ave in Minneapolis, and urged anyone who could help him plan the event to reach out. Visit here for more information and to help.
American Head Charge released ‘The War Of Art’ back in 2000 when they were signed to Rick Rubin’s label, American Recordings. Highlights of their career include joining huge names like Rammstein, Slipknot and System Of A Down on tour, and Louder Sound reports that Slipknot founding member Clown (Shawn Crahan) made a cameo in their hit single ‘Just So You Know’.
The band members have faced various tragedies since their formation, including guitarist Bryan Ottoson dying in 2005 from an overdose of prescription drugs, and bassist Chad Hanks passing away in 2017 due to illness.
More details about the planned 25th anniversary show organised by Holiday Kirk are expected to be shared soon.
For help, advice or more information regarding addiction in the UK, visit the FRANK website. In the US, visit SAMHSA.
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