The Bur Oak
Madison, WI
5/4/2025
On December 26th, 2024, Rökker was drumming with his band, Ironplow, at the Max Ink Radio Holiday Party at the Gamma Ray Bar. During a set, Rökker had a heart attack and was clinically dead, as his son Nikko, the Gamma Ray bar owner Kevin Willmott, and eventually paramedics worked to bring him back to life.
During a visit to Max Ink Radio, Rökker told me, "When I woke up in the hospital, the doctor looked at me and said, 'You died on stage playing drums with your band, but there were people there who wouldn't let you go.'"
Anyone who knows Rökker (or knows of Rökker) knows how much he has done to promote bands and musicians locally and nationally. We are very thankful it wasn't his time to leave!
However, the downside is that Rökker and his wife Allison have been left with significant out-of-pocket expenses despite medical insurance. Which brings us to today and Rökker Jamboree: A Benefit for Rökker’s out-of-pocket medical costs. Additionally, a portion of the door will be donated to MAMA Cares to help other Madison musicians in need.
Jimmy Killerlain emceed the show, and the benefit was presented by 92.7 WMDX and Max Ink on Civic Media, and held at The Bur Oak. The following bands performed at this sold-out jamboree:
Sponsors of the jamboree:
- Aaron Weber Group
- Ethical Trade Co.
- Aftershock Classic Arcade
- Guitar Shop of Wisconsin
- Brainstormer Studios
- Madison Drum Makers
Please visit MAMA Cares for more info or to volunteer with the Madison Area Music Association.
