Blaze Bayley will headline Angel Of Rage at The Marrs Bar in Worcester on 6 September 2025, an event in support of Pancreatic Cancer UK. Joined by popular local Metal bands, Unto The Ages and Last Agony, this is the second charity event organised by Xen Angeli from Droitwich Spa in memory of his brother Anj, who died just eight weeks after diagnosis, aged 42.
Anj Avraam AKA Big Viz, was a talented musician, artist, writer and pioneer of the local alternative music scene in Worcester City. He was passionate about music, especially Metal, and was a pioneering player of Worcestershire’s alternative music scene from the early ’90s. A prolific lead vocalist who dabbled with the guitar, Anj played with several bands, including X 10 8, with whom he released a studio album in 1994 called Something Lost.
In 2018, Anj experienced stomach cramps and severe back pain, which persisted for months. The pain became too agonising to bear, and he was admitted to hospital. He was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and was sent home a few days later.
Over the next few years, Anj had periodic bouts of pain. Despite several GP visits, he was not sent for further investigations.
“We encouraged Anj to keep persisting with his GP,” Xen told us. “He was autistic and occasionally struggled with the process, from getting an appointment to being in the surgery. It felt like he was overwhelmed, which only worsened when the lockdowns happened.
“I now wish they had investigated further when he was first admitted to hospital, but, as Anj was young, pancreatic cancer did not cross anyone’s mind.”
Anj was eventually referred to see a specialist. However, a few weeks later, he received a letter to say his appointment had been cancelled, and he never heard anything further about it.
On 24 January 2021, Anj noticed he was yellow. Xen took him to the hospital, and he was immediately sent for a CT scan, which revealed he had pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver.
“With everything going on with Covid at the time, it seems like Anj slipped through the cracks,” Xen said. “If he had seen that specialist, or had a scan, he might have survived or at least been able to have treatment, giving us more precious time with him.
“As it was, by the time he was diagnosed, it was far too late. He couldn’t even have chemotherapy.”
Just eight weeks after his diagnosis was confirmed, Anj passed away, aged 42.
As it stands, over half of people die within three months of receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, making it the deadliest common cancer in the UK. Survival rates for the disease have barely improved in 50 years, in stark contrast to the welcome progress made in survival for other types of cancer.
Vague symptoms, including persistent indigestion, back or tummy pain, unexpected weight loss and changes to poo, mean pancreatic cancer is very difficult to diagnose in its early stages. There are currently no screening programmes or early detection tests to help doctors, resulting in 80% of people being diagnosed too late for lifesaving treatment.
Since Anj’s death, Xen and his other brother, Mike, met with friends and family on the first weekend of September to commemorate Anj, whose birthday was the 3rd of September. They realised those who knew Anj from the local music scene would be delighted to help them organise a Metal gig in his honour.
The first Angel of Rage gig came to fruition soon after, held at one of Anj’s local pubs, and was incredibly well-received and raised £1,400 for Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Wanting to make this year’s event even bigger, the brothers secured a larger venue before turning their attention to the music.
“Mike and I were at a gig, and Blaze Bayley was there,” Xen said. “We kept saying, ‘Oh man, Anj would have loved this. It should be all three of us here.’ He was a massive Iron Maiden fan.
“We contacted Blaze’s management, reaching for the stars. We were over the moon to hear he was more than happy to be involved. Anj would be speechless. One of his favourite singers is going to be singing for him. He would be elated.”
For Kerry Thomas, Head of Public Fundraising at Pancreatic Cancer UK, all help is welcome as they battle with this devastating cancer by investing in ground-breaking research. They also support patients and their loved ones through Support Line, staffed entirely by specialist pancreatic cancer nurses.
“We are so grateful that Xen, Mike and everyone involved in Angel Of Rage are supporting us by hosting an event that would have meant so much to Anj,” Kerry told us. “We hope everyone who attends has an incredible, memorable evening.
“Tragically, like Anj, 80% of people with pancreatic cancer are not diagnosed until after the disease has spread and lifesaving treatment is no longer possible.
“For 50 years, pancreatic cancer has been overlooked, underfunded, and left behind. Families are often left with only hope to hold on to, but they deserve more than hope. The funds raised through Angel Of Rage will help us offer support to people diagnosed and their families, invest in vital research to help us see the breakthroughs we urgently need, and be a voice for everyone affected by the deadliest common cancer.”
With Blaze Bayley, Unto The Ages and Last Agony set to hit The Marrs Bar stage on 6 September 2025, this promises to be a memorable evening for a special cause.
“Metal music is so in your face, rebellious,” Xen said. “It feels poetic to have a bunch of Metalheads screaming, making lots of noise, for my brother, for such an incredible cause, and to raise awareness of a disease that’s been ignored and underfunded for too long.”
Tickets for Blaze Bayley at Angel of Rage cost £16.91 and can be purchased here: https://www.universe.com/events/angel-of-rage-tickets-QRH6BV.
Half of the money made through ticket sales goes to Pancreatic Cancer UK.
All money donated via the event’s JustGiving page goes to the charity. See here for more details: https://www.justgiving.com/page/angel-of-rage-2
Pancreatic Cancer UK is making more noise for those who have gone unheard for too long, bringing more research breakthroughs, more change through campaigning and more support. For more details, visit PancreaticCancer.org.uk
