Perth band The Growl have issued a statement regarding bassist Marc Earley’s unprovoked attack in Sydney on Monday morning.
Earley, who was attacked at 3 am on Monday the 2nd Feb at Oportos on the corner of Oxford St, suffered fractures in his left hand, rendering him unable to continue with his current bass duties.
The attack comes after Sydney introduced controversial venue laws in the vicinity, though the statement insists the attacked did not seem to be under the influence of alcohol or any other substances.
The Growl, who are currently touring the country with Laneway Festival, will honor the rest of the dates with Nick Allbrook of Pond taking the reins.
To try and help with Earley’s medical expenses and loss of income, The Growl are currently crowd funding. You can donate to this cause here.
Read the full statement from the band below:
Around 3am on Monday morning the 2nd of February Marc Earley the bass player for The Growl was the victim of an unprovoked assault at an Oporto restaurant near the corner of Pelican and Oxford St in Surry Hills. The attacker, who did not appear to be intoxicated or under the influence, blinded him with one hand whilst intentionally breaking the ring finger on Marc’s left hand at a right angle, causing two fractures on the upper knuckle.
The Doctors at the emergency department at the Prince of Wales Hospital have told us that Marc must have surgery within 48 hours from a specialist to achieve any kind of full recovery which will allow Marc to continue his life as a working musician. He has flown home to Perth for emergency surgery and to begin the rehabilitation process.
As well as being an integral member of The Growl, a widely respected upright bassist in the Australian jazz community and a mentor and role model to the students he teaches, Marc has committed most of his life the past few years creating a reputation as an incredibly gifted film scorer.
Not only has this act of unprovoked violence caused Marc a lot of pain and distress it will severely impact his livelihood in the coming months. Marc will have to attend occupational therapy everyday after his surgery if he is to regain the full use of his hand.
Any of you who know Marc, know him for the gentle, friendly and ever laughing bloke he is and didn’t deserve any of this.
Being a week to week working musician Marc doesn’t have health or income insurance. If you can spare anything to help Marc make a full recovery and get through this tough spot a donation would be so appreciated. His hands are his life.
To date no one has been charged, police are currently going through CCTV footage and investigating the incident.
The Growl wish Marc a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing his fingers and big smile back in action soon.
The band will play the remaining St Jeromes’ Laneway Festival shows with Nick Allbrook (Pond) taking over bass duties for Marc.
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