IN MEMORY: MAT ARLUCK

Photo by: Christina Casperson

by Carmelo Espanola

By the time of this writing, most of you already know that Matthew Allen “Mat” Arluck, guitarist for veteran Chicago band Sweet Cobra, has recently passed away because of cancer. Mat was a beacon of positive vibes amongst the Chicago metal community. Everyone who has encountered him would attest to the fact that he was one of the nicest dudes you will ever meet.

I still have a good memory of the first time I saw Sweet Cobra live. It was in early May of 2004 at the old Bottom Lounge. The bill was fully stacked that evening: Mastodon was headlining, while Pelican, Sweet Cobra, and Cougars provided support. When Sweet Cobra came onstage, I was pummeled by their no bullshit metallic-hardcore intensity that made me crave for more. I’ve seen them play at different metal friendly venues around the city. From the hallowed ballroom of the Metro to the cavernous confines of the Mutiny, playing in different settings didn’t tame the ferocious energy of Sweet Cobra’s live attack. Since my first encounter with Sweet Cobra, I have seen them live more than 15 times.

My best Mat memory would be hanging out with him at the recent Maryland Death Fest. He flew straight from Hawaii to Baltimore after his vacation so he could catch one of his favorite bands of all time, Bolt Thrower. After Bolt Thrower’s crushing Saturday set, I asked Mat what he thought of it. I could see in his eyes that he was super stoked to catch them live and that the best part of the weekend was taking home Bolt Thrower’s set list.

To celebrate Mat’s life, there will be a benefit show in his honor at the Beat Kitchen, which will feature a bill consisting of Mat’s bands. The show will benefit Grind For Life, a foundation that helps cancer patients with the emotional and financial costs of cancer treatment through skateboarding, which was one of Mat’s passions. I encourage everyone to come support this worthy cause.

ARLUCK TIME:
A Memorial for Mat Arluck & Benefit for Grind For Life

Thursday, February 4th
Doors 8:00 pm | Show @ 8:30 pm | Tickets: $10.00 | 21 & Over

COOLER BY THE LAKE
SWEET COBRA
DEMINER/CRASH COURSE
CLOSING IN
LYNYRD'S INNARDS (as Black Flag)