Ben Eyestone has died, according to sources close to the beloved local drummer and 5 Spot employee. The tragic loss comes as Eyestone was preparing to undergo treatment for colon cancer, about which he had a notably positive attitude.
"I have cancer," Eyestone, who turned 28 this year, said in a Facebook post on July 9. "Don't worry. I'm gonna kick its ass." Friend and fellow musician Hugh Masterson recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to help offset Eyestone's medical and living expenses.
"He was everyone's buddy, and like a little brother to me and The 5 Spot crew," The 5 Spot proprietor Todd Sherwood tells the Scene in an email. Both of tonight's shows at The 5 Spot (Eric Stuart Band at 6 p.m. and Skylar Gregg at 9 p.m.) have been canceled to allow colleagues an opportunity to gather. We'll share more information about how you can pay your respects as we receive it.
Update: An earlier version of this post listed Eyestone's age incorrectly. We regret the error.
