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by Dave Stanoch  What a difference a year can make. In January 2007, Wally Ingram was finishing up brutal chemotherapy and radiation treatments, battling for his life against the Squamous Cell Cancer that had invaded his throat and neck. At the end of that month, while awaiting the results of his treatment, he was able to participate in a star-studded benefit concert in his honor, organized by Uber-producer/drummer Butch Vig and Bonnie Raitt, that featured Butch’s band Garbage, Bonnie, Sheryl Crow, Jackson Browne, Keb’ Mo’, Crowded House, George Clinton, and many others, in Glendale, California (See MD 06/07). “It was a powerful night,” Wally reflects, “the incentive to be there and play got me through some really tough days. The event itself was magical. The outpouring of love from the artists and the audience was overwhelming. It put wind in my sails to fight on.” In June, Wally learned that he is cancer-free with a clean bill of health. Wally began 2008 back on the road for a short tour with Stockholm Syndrome, a band including members of Widespread Panic & Govt. Mule. The New Year also marked his return to Sheryl Crow’s band, now as percussionist. Through the mid-90’s, Wally drummed for Sheryl’s first band as she ascended to fame. Sheryl, a cancer survivor herself, literally took the Ingram family into her Hollywood home so Wally could be close to Cedars-Sinai for treatment, even bringing him herself. Wally is also Godfather to Sheryl’s newly adopted son, Wyatt. Wally’s endorsers are behind him too. DW customized two new Rainbow Twisted VLT kits for both Wally and his 2-year-old daughter, Lydia. Pro-Mark recently surprised Wally, with a stock of his signature-model stick–playing off the benefit concert’s "Beat-it-Wally" theme–now carrying the triumphant proclamation: "Wally Beat It!" And –with a little help from his friend–the sentiment is also available for a limited time on the Ringo Starr model to assist the Ingram’s with medical expenses. Happy to back in the game, grateful to all, Wally says, “Everyone’s support made such a difference and it’s wonderful to be working with Sheryl again. We’re family.” |