Shane Cooper was killed after the vehicle he was driving collided with a ute en route to a gig in western Victoria. Mick Skelton was the only passenger, ending up in an induced coma in Melbourne’s Alfred’s Hospital.

Guitarist Matt Smith from Stanwell Park said his long-time friend was now out of hospital and “on the mend”, but the recovery from his internal injuries could take some time.

The former Lake Illawarra High student said at this stage he had no idea when Skelton would be able to tour again, but he did know he had a picture of a drum kit next to his bed to motivate the recovery process.

The group decided not to cancel The Good Life Tour but instead got back on the road after only a few weeks off as “too much thinking” was having a negative impact.

Meanwhile a collective of music legends like Jimmy Barnes and the the Superjesus have come together for a fundraiser for the families, with the One for the Road concert at the Enmore Theatre on November 23.

“I think all those guys feel like it could have been anyone of them,” said Smith.

Smith said their drummer was pretty shy and didn’t like being in the limelight too much, but was inspired by the eagerness of the musical community to help.

“It must be amazing, he’s trying to get better and he’s got all this support from so many people,” he said.

Other big names on the bill include 1977, Baby Animals, Mark Gable of the Choirboys, Ian Moss, Jeff Martin of The Tear Party, Wendy Matthews, the Hoodoo Gurus, Noiseworks and a whole heap more.

Thirsty Merc play headline show at The Oaks Hotel in Albion Park, February 13.

They're touring with their new crowd-funded album – a trend many Aussie musicians are turning to.

“There’s less people signing to major labels these days,” said Smith. “It give you a chance to promote your album before it comes out … plus it’s an intimate experience, the fans can actually feel like their part of the making of it.”