EVILE leader Ol Drake has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help his family deal with mounting debt accumulated throughout his years as a touring musician.
In a heartfelt statement shared on the fundraiser page, Drake — whose real name is Oliver Drake — opened up about the financial difficulties that came with dedicating most of his life to music and keeping EVILE active over the years.
“My name is Oliver and I dedicated the majority of my life to music in a metal band called EVILE; writing the music and touring the world to play it,” he wrote.
Drake explained that during EVILE’s rise, he often sold personal belongings in order to continue funding the band and maintain momentum, but doing so also led to long-term debt. He noted that being in an active touring band is “a surprisingly expensive endeavour,” especially while trying to balance steady employment with months spent on the road.
Outside of music, Drake has spent years streaming guitar content on Twitch in an effort to gradually reduce the debt, though he admitted that the rising cost of living has made things increasingly difficult.
While EVILE now operates more as a hobby and Drake currently works full-time, he says financial struggles continue to impact his family’s daily life.
“I take full responsibility for having chosen the path I chose, but I am not ashamed to ask for help, as we desperately need it,” Drake stated. “Any funds raised will be used to pay off debt, and allow us to finally be able to improve our current living conditions, mainly for our kids.”
Formed in Huddersfield, England in 2004, EVILE became one of the standout acts of the modern thrash metal revival, earning acclaim for albums such as Enter The Grave, Infected Nations, and Five Serpent’s Teeth. OL Drake has long been recognized for his technical guitar work and songwriting contributions within the band.
Those who wish to support Drake and his family can donate through the official GoFundMe campaign here.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.