OAKLAND — Two musicians with the legendary local funk/R&B band Tower of Power were in fair and critical condition at the hospital Tuesday after being hit Thursday night by an Amtrak train in Jack London Square.
Drummer and longtime band member Dave Garibaldi, 70, is in “fair condition but will remain hospitalized for the next few days,” according to a statement from the band. Garibaldi suffered head and facial injuries.
Bassist Marc Van Wageningen, who was filling in for regular bassist Frank Rocco Prestia, remained in critical condition, but has been responsive. Van Wageningen suffered broken ribs, a concussion, and internal injuries and underwent surgery after the incident.
The musicians were heading to a performance at Yoshi’s nightclub when they were hit by an Amtrak train on Embarcadero at Clay Street at 7:36 p.m. Thursday. They were coming from a nearby hotel and they were slated to take the stage at 8 p.m.
The Tommy Igoe Groove Conspiracy played a benefit show at Yoshi’s on Tuesday night, with a percentage of the proceeds going toward the “David G and Marc VW Medical Fund.” Musician Tommy Igoe established the GoFundMe page to help pay for the injured artists’ medical expenses. As of 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, more than $40,050 had been donated.
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Percussionist and musical director Peter Michael Escovedo created a GoFundMe page to help Van Wageningen. As a musician, the bassist does not have health insurance, according to the fundraising page. More than $57,000 toward the $150,000 goal has been donated.
Check back for updates.
