A Song for Joey Turns into a Wisconsin Stage Filled with Hope

It began as a father’s promise. Now his original idea to create a stage filled with hope has grown into one of Madison’s most meaningful winter traditions.

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Listen to this story about Joey’s Song here:

Or listen to a full interview about Joey’s Song from Max Ink Radio on WMDX here:

Michael Gomoll’s early plans for a song for Joey will again bring together Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Grammy winners, and beloved artists — all playing without pay — for an awareness and fundraising concert in support of epilepsy research. It’s Joey’s Song, named for Gomoll’s son (also known as “The Freezing Man Festival”). The annual event is set to happen on January 9 and 10 at The Sylvee. 

A Promise to Help Other Families

The charity was founded by Gomoll in honor of his son, who died in 2010. Joey battled a rare form of epilepsy. He was just shy of his fifth birthday.

“With all of the terrible epileptic seizures, he was miraculously happy all the time,” Gomoll says. “He was in his own world, but he never had a down moment.”

And that became even more clear when songs from the Teletubbies or Sesame Street would play. 

“Music was his connection to the world,” he explains. “He would grab everybody by their finger and make them get up and dance. He kind of had this little boppy dance.”

These memories are why the Sun Prairie man made an important choice in the midst of his grief. He decided to find a way to use music in an effort to help the next family facing a terrifying diagnosis.

“Research is how we find a cure,” Gomoll says. “Some family is sitting in a neurologist’s office right now, scared and overwhelmed. They need to know someone is fighting for them.”

Growth of Event Helps Raise a Record Number of Funds

The concert-driven fundraiser is celebrating 10 years. And in that time, Joey’s Song has raised more than $1.75 million for epilepsy research, primarily through a partnership with the national organization CURE. The festival has grown from a makeshift stage at Pooley’s to a two-night event at one of the area’s biggest venues.

This year’s lineup includes returning favorites like members of The Bangles, Letters to Cleo, The Go-Go’s, and the Goo Goo Dolls, along with first-time appearances by artists like Curt Smith of Tears for Fears.

A Personal Fight for One Performer

The fight against epilepsy is personal for Wisconsin native and Garbage drummer Butch Vig. You may also know him as a Grammy-winning songwriter and producer of bands including Nirvana. He shares that his sister-in-law and the best man at his wedding struggle with the disease. 

And because of those connections, Vig has been involved in supporting Joey’s Song almost every year since it started. He grew up in Viroqua and lived in Madison for 20 years before moving to Los Angeles. But he says they all show up in honor of Joey.

“They rehearse, they form supergroups, they play covers. It’s a lot of things they don’t normally get to do,” Gomoll explains. “Nobody takes a penny. They do it because it matters.”

And for Gomoll, the work is never ending, but the reward remains clear.

“It’s hard,” he admits. “But it’s also incredibly meaningful. This is how we keep Joey’s song playing in an effort to make a difference.”

Tickets, making a donation, and bidding on auction items – including artist meet-and-greets – can be found on the website here.