Dysphoria Reuniting for Benefit for West Chester Musician

This article was initially published with inaccurate and unclarified quotes from members of Dysphoria. The publication was not intentional. This story has been amended and reposted. All apologies to the band and readers. -Ed.

Steve Austin. Wolverine. T-800. Darth Vader.

Half-man. Half-machine.

Ladies and gentlemen, John Barlow, Die Maschine aus Animal Haus.

In the early morning hours of Feb. 19, the members of Schwenksville-based punk rock machine Animal Haus were riding high following a record release show at the Lansdale VFW. With Barlow on vox, Ziggy (bass), Buckles (drums) and Shawn and Schwenk had, just hours ago, performed tracks from "The Boys of Barley Hill."

The next day, Ziggy posted a message on Stereokiller on behalf of Animal Haus.

In the posting, Ziggy asked for prayers and thoughts from the community.

He wrote that Barlow was passenger in the car. His fiance lost control and crashed head-on into a telephone pole. Barlow sustained the worst injuries in the crash.

Almost immediately, a benefit from the music community was brewing, involving colleagues from Montgomery County, Delaware County and Chester County. 

And now we have Lansdale Local's and Boondock Booking's All Ages/21+ "John Barlow Benefit Show" on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the Lansdale VFW. $10. 

The headliner: A reunited Dysphoria. 

Dysphoria are joined by Unlearn, BottomFeeder, Lifeless and Strength For A Reason. 

The Redtops have also reunited for this one-night-only.

First band hits stage at 7 p.m. If you can drink legally, bring your money.

Ziggy told Lansdale Patch that Barlow is recovering well, with one surgery to go.

I'll let Barlow speak for himself, as posted on Stereokiller on Feb. 22:

Thank you to everyone who expressed their concerns and condolences over the past few days on the phone, Internet, and otherwise. I have experienced several injuries from the car accident, including 9 broken ribs, 2 neck fractures, a broken nose, collapsed cheekbones, a broken collarbone, and 3 subsequent catheters.

All of these things are stupid and dumb. Your words and letters have helped more than  you can know. I had to get a tracheostomy today, so I don’t know when I can talk or sing with any of you again. Love yas. Thank you for everything.

If you cannot make the show you can donate through PayPal to helpjohnbarlow@yahoo.com. The VFW is at 805 W. 2nd St., Lansdale.

And if you're telling me Wolverine's technically not a machine, I'll offer you this comparison - courtesy of Stereokiller's RazorRamon, 26: 

Luckily Barlows are made of Adamantium. Heal up quick John. 

Find Lansdale Local at this Facebook site.

Find Boondocks Booking at this Facebook site.