Around 3am on Monday morning the 2nd of February Marc Earley the bass player for The Growl was the victim of an unprovoked assault at an Oporto restaurant near the corner of Pelican and Oxford St in Surry Hills. The attacker, who did not appear to be intoxicated or under the influence, blinded him with one hand whilst intentionally breaking the ring finger on Marc’s left hand at a right angle, causing two fractures on the upper knuckle.
The Doctors at the emergency department at the Prince of Wales Hospital have told us that Marc must have surgery within 48 hours from a specialist to achieve any kind of full recovery which will allow Marc to continue his life as a working musician. He has flown home to Perth for emergency surgery and to begin the rehabilitation process.
As well as being an integral member of The Growl, a widely respected upright bassist in the Australian jazz community and a mentor and role model to the students he teaches, Marc has committed most of his life the past few years creating a reputation as an incredibly gifted film scorer.
Not only has this act of unprovoked violence caused Marc a lot of pain and distress it will severely impact his livelihood in the coming months. Marc will have to attend occupational therapy everyday after his surgery if he is to regain the full use of his hand.
Any of you who know Marc, know him for the gentle, friendly and ever laughing bloke he is and didn’t deserve any of this.
Being a week to week working musician Marc doesn’t have health or income insurance. If you can spare anything to help Marc make a full recovery and get through this tough spot a donation would be so appreciated. His hands are his life.
You can donate here: http://www.gofundme.com/6nhi8w
To date no one has been charged, police are currently going through CCTV footage and investigating the incident.
The Growl wish Marc a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing his fingers and big smile back in action soon.
The band will play the remaining St Jeromes’ Laneway Festival shows with Nick Allbrook (Pond) taking over bass duties for Marc.
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