Ol Drake, best known as the guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for British thrash metal outfit Evile, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help his family through ongoing financial struggles.
In a candid message posted to the fundraiser page, Drake explained that years spent pursuing music full-time and keeping Evile active ultimately resulted in mounting debt that continues to affect his family today.
“My name is Oliver and I dedicated the majority of my life to music in a metal band called Evile; writing the music and touring the world to play it,” he shared.
According to Drake, life as a touring musician proved far more expensive than many realize. He revealed that throughout Evile’s career he frequently sold personal belongings in order to fund tours and support the band’s momentum, while also struggling to maintain stable employment due to extensive touring schedules.
Drake also noted that he spent years streaming guitar content on Twitch in hopes of paying down debt little by little, but increasing living costs have made the situation harder to manage.
Although he now works a full-time job and Evile is no longer his primary source of income, Drake says financial pressure still weighs heavily on his household as he and his wife attempt to provide for their two children.
“I take full responsibility for having chosen the path I chose, but I am not ashamed to ask for help, as we desperately need it,” Drake wrote. “This is not a sob story or call for attention but a request for help.”
Evile emerged in the mid-2000s as part of the new wave of thrash metal revival and quickly gained recognition within the metal scene thanks to albums like Enter The Grave, Infected Nations, and Skull. OL Drake has remained one of the band’s defining members, praised for his guitar playing and songwriting abilities.
Fans and supporters who would like to contribute can do so via the official fundraiser at this location.
