Rokker’s Road to Recovery: A Concert to Help a Local Icon Heal

The music scene is rallying around one of its own. Rokker’s road to recovery may be a little smoother thanks to a concert being planned to help pay his medical expenses. Long story short — Rokker recently survived what could have been a deadly heart attack. He was on stage with his band, Ironplow, when he collapsed. He remembers little about anything else that happened. His wife, Allison, credits quick action taken by their son, friends, and medical professionals. She believes everyone rallied to make a life-saving difference that night.

Rokker and Allison visited the studios at the Civic Media radio network’s headquarters in Madison during the Saturday, February 15th Max Ink Radio music show. Rokker is a long-time music promoter, he published Maximum Ink Music Magazine for years and is one of the hosts of the Max Ink show. But he didn’t realize, they’d been invited back to the studio to be part of a big surprise announcement.

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Listen to the surprise announcement here:

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As the show gets into its rhythm, fellow hosts Jimmy K and Teri Barr ask him about the healing process. Rokker shares the changes he’s making in both his diet and exercise regimen. He may be embracing a new healthy lifestyle, but reveals the journey is far from easy, especially with financial concerns.

It’s on this note that Jimmy K pauses to announce a benefit concert is in the works. “The Rokker Jamboree” will support both the effort to help his family pay outstanding medical bills along with some of the proceeds going to MAMA Cares. The organization is part of the Madison Area Music Association (MAMA), a nonprofit which supports area artists in times of a medical emergency or family crisis. Rokker’s reaction is priceless.

“If it hadn’t been for the people around me—my son Nico, the paramedics, and everyone who acted fast—I wouldn’t be here,” Rocker says. “This concert is a reminder of how blessed I am to be part of such a special community.”

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Listen to the January 4, 2025, Max Ink interview with Rokker here:

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The lineup of bands is also a nod to Rocker’s deep ties with the Madison music scene. And a few of the artists, these days, may only play together for a special occasion. So, all the bands agree, this will be a reason to celebrate his recovery along with the power of community. You can count on performances featuring Last Crack, subatomic, Mind Ox, Electromag, and Magic 7.

The Rokker Jamboree is set to kick off at noon on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Bur Oak in Madison. Tickets are available now, and local businesses are rallying behind the event, with early sponsorships from Aftershock Classic Arcade, Ginter’s Guitar Shop, Ethical Trade Co, Madison Drum Makers, The Aaron Weber Group, Brainstormer Studios, and many others.

This is a chance to give back to a man who has given so much to the music scene. With your support, Rocker isn’t just going to survive—he will thrive.