Benefit concert supports longtime local musician with cancer

JOPLIN, Mo. (KOAM) - It's often said that music can bring people together. And that's exactly what it did Sunday at a fundraiser to support a longtime local musician.

Steve Duncan is a well recognized figure in the Joplin music scene, known for his talents as a bass player and role in numerous bands.

He's played in one such band, Southern Fried, since the 1970s.

Fellow musicians say Duncan has played in countless benefits for other people, always happy to help support those who need it, and never asking for help himself.

“He’d give you the shirt off your back, and if you wanted his pants he’d give them too. He is just so nice, respectful of everybody. That’s why everybody loves him. He’s a real person, like a brother or your daddy,” says Rick Banfield, a longtime bandmate of Duncan.

But recently Duncan was diagnosed with what some have called the dreaded big C.

“Steve, earlier this year was diagnosed with cancer, and he's had all kinds of treatments for this," says Ed Minton, a local musician who has played alongside Duncan. "Naturally, there's all kinds of experiences with those. We all know what health care is like these days.”

Those who know Duncan and his long history of music hoped to change the tune of a bad situation. Banfield and Minton with help from others organized a benefit concert called "All in for Dunc", held at the Joplin VFW.

Bands including Southern Fried, Smoot and Lonnie Hulette are just a few of those taking tot he stage in support of Duncan.

Minton not only helped organize the benefit for Duncan, he also helped play a set. He says for many, it was an easy decision to be a part of the fundraiser.

"T his room is filled with people who have known him for 30 years or more. And, many of them he's played benefits for in the past for similar situations. So this is us kind of giving back the love,” says Minton.

Duncan was diagnosed with throat cancer, which his friends say has made it difficult to do things such as work or even talk at times.

“He’s slowly coming around and getting better," says Banfield. "And we’re just hoping he feels good enough to play with us today, because we’re playing today."

And for the crowd, it was a special moment when Duncan did just that. A chorus of cheers and claps rang out from the hundreds of people in the audience as Duncan stepped out onto the stage with his bass, ready to perform.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help support Duncan. You can find the link to here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-our-brother-steve-duncan-through-his-cancer-journey?lang=en_US&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link.

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