Members of Big Star, Cheap Trick, The Go-Gos, Gang of Four, Portugal. The Man and More to Unite for Freezing Man Benefit Shows

Rob Moderelli on September 8, 2025

In January, a star-studded assembly of musicians will take part in the return of Freezing Man, a two-night benefit concert for the epilepsy-oriented non-profit organization Joey’s Song. Set to stage on the intimate stage of The Sylvee in Madison, Wis., on Jan. 9 and 10, the second annual Freezing Man will support epilepsy research and education with two nights of unprecedented collaborations from some of the biggest names in alternative rock, including Grammy winners, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and other certified icons.

Joey’s Song was founded in 2010 in honor of Joey Gomoll, who tragically passed before his 5th birthday due to Dravet Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. In the decade and a half since, the organization’s commitment to finding hope in the tragedy has led it to become a vital advocacy and fundraising group, partnering with institutions like CURE Epilepsy and the Epilepsy Foundation and presenting high-profile benefit concerts that consistently draw celebrated artists from across the country. Through these projects, Joey’s Song has raised more than $1.75 million to date and forged connections with the musical community that have enabled increased visibility year after year.

At the second annual Freezing Man, Joey’s Song will welcome 24 celebrated artists, uniting many who have supported the organization in the past with a stacked cast of newcomers. Returning partners in booked for the 2026 event include Garbage’s Butch Vig and Duke Erikson, The Bangles’ Vicki and Debbi Peterson, Belly’s Tanya Donelly and Gail Greenwood, Portugal. The Man’s John Gourley and Eric Howk, Silversun Pickups’ Brian Aubert and Nikki Monninger, Letters to Cleo’s Kay Hanley and Stacy Jones, Rick Nielsen and Daxx Nielsen of Cheap Trick and The Nielsen Trust, Jon Auer of Big Star and The Posies, and Freedy Johnston. The event’s new performers will include Jody Stephens of Big Star, Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Gos, Hugo Burnham of Gang of Four, Steve Porcaro of Toto, Max Collins of Eve 6, Chris Collingwood of Fountains of Wayne and Marshall Crenshaw. More featured artists will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Freezing Man 2026 will come together with musical direction from Vig, whose credits also include producing ‘90s triumphs like Nirvana’s Nevermind, Sonic Youth’s Dirty, Smashing Pumpkins’ Siamese Dream and more. Vig’s covers outfit, The Know-It-All Boyfriends, will serve as the event’s house band, backing an off-the-cuff, collaborative, supergroup-style rotation of guest musicians. For the second-annual concert weekend, Freezing Man will be broken down into two themed days; Friday, Jan. 9’s “Unplugged” show will cultivate an intimate atmosphere through acoustic sets, seating and on-stage storytelling, while Saturday, Jan. 10, will host a full-throttle electrified jam.

“Since our first fundraiser in 2010, Joey’s Song has hosted very memorable annual events to support epilepsy research and education, and Freezing Man is the latest—and most exciting—incarnation of that tradition,” said Michael Gomoll, founder of Joey’s Song. “Now in its second year, Freezing Man will bring together an extraordinary mix of musicians for what promises to be our most ambitious concerts yet. It’s always been about more than music—it’s about connection, hope, and honoring Joey’s memory. We’re humbled by the artists who give their time and talent, and grateful to the fans whose support truly changes lives for families impacted by epilepsy.”

Tickets for Joey’s Song’s second annual Freezing Man benefit concert will go on sale this Friday, Sept. 12, at 9 a.m. ET. Proceeds from the event will benefit CURE Epilepsy, select Epilepsy Foundation affiliates and Wisconsin Badger Camp. Learn more at joeyssong.org.