Photo by Ruthie Hauge
A stellar lineup of rock and pop luminaries will unite for the
second annual Freezing Man benefit concert at Madison’s Sylvee on
January 9 and 10, raising funds for
Joey’s Song
,
the nonprofit dedicated to advancing epilepsy research, education,
and support.
Set in the venue’s intimate 2,500-seat theater, the shows will
feature over 35 performances, including Grammy winners, Rock &
Roll Hall of Famers, and alt-rock icons such as Butch Vig and Duke
Erikson of Garbage; Vicki and Debbi Peterson of The Bangles; Tanya
Donnelly and Gail Greenwood of Belly; Jon Auer and Jody Stephens of
Big Star; Steve Porcaro of Toto; Kay Hanley; and Stacy Jones of
Letters to Cleo.
Founded fifteen years ago in memory of Joey Gomoll—who lost his
battle with Dravet Syndrome before his fifth birthday—Joey’s Song
has raised more than $1.75 million to date through benefit concerts
that support epilepsy research, community education, and family
services.
Additional performers include Brian Aubert and Nikki Monninger of
Silversun Pickups; John Gourley and Eric Howk of Portugal. The Man;
Chris Collingwood of Fountains of Wayne; Freedy Johnston; Rick and
Daxx Nielsen of Cheap Trick and The Nielsen Trust; Jane Wiedlin of
The Go-Gos; Max Collins of Eve 6; Hugo Burnham of Gang of Four;
and Marshall Crenshaw. Emmy-winning comedian Charlie Berens
(“Manitowoc Minute”) will emcee, with more special guests to be
announced.
Madison native Butch Vig will serve as musical director, leading
his cover ensemble The Know-It-All Boyfriends as the house band.
Each evening kicks off with a playful battle of the bands—Boyfriends
vs. the all-female Know-It-All Girlfriends—performing surprise
song selections. The finale is an all-star jam curated by Joey’s
Song founder Michael Gomoll, with auctions for autographed
instruments, posters, and VIP packages between sets.
Michael Gomoll remarked, “From our inaugural fundraiser in 2010,
Joey’s Song has delivered unforgettable annual events to propel
epilepsy research and awareness. Freezing Man, now in its second
year, promises the most ambitious lineup yet—uniting extraordinary
talents for connection, hope, and a tribute to Joey’s legacy. We
are profoundly grateful to the artists who contribute their time
and the fans whose generosity transforms lives.”
Tickets—sold out each year since 2014—go on sale Friday,
September 12 at 9 a.m. ET via
JoeysSong.org
.
General admission for the January 9 acoustic, seated evening is
$45; GA for the January 10 electric showcase is $55. Proceeds will
benefit CURE Epilepsy, select Epilepsy Foundation affiliates, and
Wisconsin Badger Camp.
Watch the Know-It-All Girlfriends—a supergroup featuring members
of The Bangles, Letters to Cleo, and Belly—deliver AC/DC’s “Dirty
Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” from the 2025 benefit below.
