A year on from a tragic car crash that claimed their friend, a group of Illawarra musicians will come together to remember a fallen mate.
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Rob Zessin crashed his new ute on April 20 last year on his way to have dinner with his parents in Unanderra.
On May 16, seven bands from Wollongong and around Australia will pay tribute to Mr Zessin with the Rock For Rob Z concert at Waves Nightclub.
"As sad as it is, it is an honour Rob was so well-loved by everyone," said Mr Zessin's mother, Margaret Black.
"I'm so happy they are doing this. His friends miss him more than me, sometimes."
The concert, headlined by Melbourne band Sydonia and Gold Coast outfit Helm, also features locals Chainsaw Mascara, Soiled Earth, Slew and Kaleidoscope - mostly bands that Mr Zessin knew and loved.
Lucas Stone, frontman of Helm, was one of Mr Zessin's best friends since their high school days, and redirected the band's national tour so they could join the concert.
"Rob was one of those guys you never expected to go out early. It shocked us all, we were all blown away," he said.
"Rob's close friends contacted me to ask if Helm could be in this tribute show for him, and because we were already going to be on tour, we managed to tie it into the tour."
He said he was forced to miss the funeral because he was on tour, and this concert was his way of properly saying goodbye.
"The show will bring together a lot of people who haven't seen each other for a long time, to celebrate his life," he said.
"Being able to do this gig is like the funeral, people getting together for the same reason, but more positive. Rob loved music, and the bands are mostly mates of his."
Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards a memorial for Mr Zessin.
For more information, see towradgibeachhotel.com.au
