Michael "Mike" Scaccia, best known as the lead (and sometimes rhythm) guitarist for the metal bands MINISTRY, RIGOR MORTIS and THE REVOLTING COCKS passed away on December 23rd after suffering a seizure on stage at the Rail Club in Fort Worth, Texas during Bruce Corbitt’s (Rigor Mortis) 50th birthday show.

Scaccia’s birthday was last night (Friday, June 14th) and Corbitt honoured him at Trees in Dallas, Texas with help from from GOATWHORE, THE SCACCIANATORS (A Tribute To Rigor Mortis), HAMMER WITCH (Reunion), ROTTING CORPSE, WARBEAST.

A touching note from Mike Scaccia's wife Jenny Rowen Scaccia about the event reads as follows:

"How do I begin? Where do I start? Last night I saw a community come together and show such strength, conviction and most importantly--love. Never have I witnessed first hand the sense of brotherhood and sisterhood that I did last night. The love for Mike filled the room. It was everywhere. Seeing all of you there gave me a feeling of such happiness. It warms my heart. This is such a horrible time ...for me and my family, but all of you, our wonderful friends, have helped us in ways you probably may not realize. Your thoughts and comments and just being there have helped us get through. I can't tell you how much it has helped to just hear someone talking about Mike or commenting about him. And last night you gave us a break from our grieving. You made us remember him in a happy way. You made us remember how loved he is. You're love for him heals us. You've given my children an opportunity to be able to know their dad when they grow up. That gift is priceless. And for this I thank you so much. I am forever indebted to you. I will never forget this feeling from last night. I have seen a lot of music communities in other parts of the country and I can tell you that the metal community in DFW cannot be beat! I am so proud to be a part of that. A big special thanks to Bruce Corbitt, everyone on the raffle team, the bands who played, Buster for understanding why i couldnt have it at the rail and for shutting down so that everyone could come, everyone who donated prizes and food/birthday cake, everyone who edited the videos and Clint and the staff at Trees. If i left anyone out, i certainly do not mean to. You are all an inspiration, every one of you. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!"

Visit the Mike Scaccia Family Fundraiser Page here.

Check out fan-filmed video below: