Bands from across the Tampa Bay area came together Sunday at the Quaker Steak & Lube near Clearwater to raise awareness about cancer.

  • Concert at Quaker Steak and Lube benefits Shawn Lowery
  • Lowery, drummer for band Seven2Seven

They held a free benefit concert for Shawn Lowery, who is known to many as “Mr. Sawbladehead” in the band Seven2Seven. He was diagnosed with stage four Thyroid cancer in June.

“It's humbling. You know. Being in the music community, this community here in Tampa Bay is, has been the best,” said Lowery. “Everybody, when everybody is hurt or injured, they just come alive and they come together."

The drummer is also known for turning metal into furniture. He’s so talented his friend Rick Lopez couldn’t resist hosting a benefit concert in his honor.

"Really, it was a no-brainer,” said Rick Lopez.  “Everybody loves Shawn. Everybody wanted to help and chip in."

Thyroid cancer is a rare disease. According to the American Cancer Society, it's more common in women than men. The society estimates there are 62,450 new cases a year.

"I didn’t realize how many people it affected because a lot of people don't talk about it,” Lowery said.  “My dad just passed away last year from cancer.  So obviously this hits home for a lot of people, and it's just a celebration of life basically."

The proceeds from the silent auction and raffle will go to Lowery. He's undergoing radiation, starting Dec. 13. He said he’ll be out of work for a while.