Alternative rock legends will unite against epilepsy at the upcoming Freezing Man 2026 festival, scheduled for January 9-10 at The Sylvee in Madison, Wisconsin. The winter benefit concert, organized by non-profit Joey’s Song, aims to raise funds and awareness for epilepsy research while featuring over 35 artists, including Grammy winners and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
Iconic rockers join forces at Freezing Man 2026, bringing musical star power to Madison’s fight against epilepsy.
The two-day musical event will showcase a mix of alternative rock royalty and contemporary performers, with unique collaborations between members of Big Star, Cheap Trick, The Go-Gos, Gang of Four, and Portugal. The Man. Music direction falls under the guidance of producer Vig, renowned for his work on Nirvana’s groundbreaking ’90s albums, ensuring a cohesive yet diverse musical experience that includes both electric performances and unplugged storytelling sessions.
Joey’s Song, now in its 15th year, was founded in memory of Joey Gomoll, a child who died from Dravet Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy characterized by frequent seizures and developmental delays. The organization has raised over $1.75 million for epilepsy research, education, and family support services since its inception, with beneficiaries including CURE Epilepsy, select Epilepsy Foundation affiliates, and Wisconsin Badger Camp. Artists involved will also be promoting the event through social media platforms to maximize awareness and reach beyond traditional advertising channels.
The Freezing Man concerts, though relatively recent additions to Joey’s Song’s fundraising efforts, have quickly established themselves as sold-out annual events since 2014. This popularity reflects the festival’s dual appeal to music fans and supporters of epilepsy causes, creating a powerful platform for destigmatizing one of the world’s most common neurological disorders. Emmy Award-winning comedian Charlie Berens will host both nights of the benefit concerts, bringing his Midwestern charm to this important cause. Friday’s show will feature artists in an intimate format where they’ll share personal stories behind songs while performing acoustic versions and unique collaborations.
Many participating musicians are contributing their performances as a form of sync licensing, allowing their music to be recorded during the event for potential use in future epilepsy awareness campaigns.
Tickets, priced at $45 for January 9 and $55 for January 10, are expected to sell quickly for the mid-sized venue, which offers an intimate setting for experiencing these iconic performers.
All proceeds directly support the festival’s mission of transforming personal tragedy into meaningful public advocacy and essential medical funding, continuing Joey Gomoll’s legacy through the universal language of music.
