He may have helped write heavy metal epics with names like “Execution Tank” and “My Sword Never Sleeps”, but 3 Inches of Blood guitarist Shane Clark has a soft side too.
When he’s not on tour or in the studio, Clark volunteers his time to help cuddly cats and dogs avoid euthanization through the non-profit he started with 3 Inches bandmate Justin Hagberg.
Called Neuterhead: The Ace of Spays, the group raises money to support spay and neuter programs, preventing the cycle of unnecessary euthanization.
“Kittens are cute, but they multiply,” Clark explains. “A lot end up in shelters, where eventually they can be euthanized if they’re not adopted. Or they end up as strays.”
Clark’s wife Kristy-Lynn Clark is part owner of Long Live Cats and Dogs on East Hastings Street, and Clark says Neuterhead began as a way for he and Hagberg to do something to help control the animal population.
“We decided, since we’re all animal lovers, that this was something we wanted to support,” Clark says.
This Saturday, Neuterhead is hosting its third annual fundraiser, the proceeds of which will go to other non-profit organizations tasked with doing the spaying and neutering like the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association and Hug-A-Bull.
The event, taking place at the Rickshaw Theatre, features live music, live comedy, and prizes donated from close to 100 local businesses that have leant their support to the cause.
“It’s kind of like a variety show,” says Clark. “We’re keeping it pretty loose.”
The bill features a trio of all-star cover bands (taking on Sepultura, Judas Priest, and W.A.S.P.) with members of high-profile acts like Hedley, K-os, 88 Mile Trip, Mothertrucker, Bison, and of course, 3 Inches of Blood.
This year also features all-original sets from local metal legends Human Resistance Program and Ritual Dictates.
“Since we’ve been involved in the music scene for so long, we decided to use our resources to put [this on],” says Clark.
The two previous events helped raise more than $8,000 to help keep pet populations under control, not only in Vancouver, but across the province as well.
“We also work with organizations up north in rural areas,” says Clark. “In poor areas, and especially on the reservations, stray animals can be a big problem.”
While pet owners in remote rural communities might not be able to afford to have their pets fixed, here in Vancouver, people often don’t spay or neuter their pet by choice.
“One argument I hear, is that ‘I want to keep my animal natural’,” says Clark. “If you’re going to do that, then don’t let your cat out, don’t let your dog off leash, even at the dog park.”
• Neuterhead: The Ace of Spays comes to the Rickshaw Theatre on May 16. Advance tickets are $10, or $15 at the door. Advance tickets available at Long Live Cats and Dogs, Jackalope’s Neighbourhood Dive, No Way Cafayfay, and Far Out Coffee, or online at RickshawTheatre.com
