Both Riley’s mother and uncle are kidney transplant recipients. As a result of this, Riley always talked about how he would donate a kidney later in life, so the choice to donate his organs was simple, and he was able to save five people with his selfless gift.
This is a story about friendship and comradery in its finest form.
Riley and Rory met in their second year of Civil Engineering at Western University. The bond was instant and their friendship remained steadfast in the coming years and throughout the demands of their studies.
However, Riley and Rory also knew how to make the best of their university days. In their fourth year, they were asked to play a few cover songs at a St. Paddy’s Day party, so the duo, along with their friend Liam, put together a set list of 15 songs. The result was an epic night that formed the basis for an even more epic journey, and that was the night KRUSH was born.
Rocking out to the likes of Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Rush and other metal and alternative rock favourites, KRUSH also liked to mix in the occasional oldie such as American Pie and even some country.
It was no secret that the band’s early popularity was fueled by Riley’s musical talent on bass, electric stage presence, and the unwavering support of his loving family and friends. When George and Joey later joined, KRUSH truly took shape, leading to countless memorable gigs throughout their final year at Western with the audience continuing to grow as the word spread about their captivating performances.
It was in August of 2025 that tragedy struck - an unfortunate accident took Riley’s life. To say that everyone who knew him was devastated, is an understatement. At Riley’s celebration of life, the idea of doing a concert in his honour was discussed. “It was all something we felt really passionate about,” said Rory.
Proceeds raised from KRUSH 4 Riley will benefit The Kidney Foundation of Canada, an organization that is important to Riley’s family.
The full production benefit concert ‘KRUSH 4 Riley’ will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the London Music Hall. The evening will kick-off with a tribute to Riley, followed by local band, The Morays, as the opening act, and then the main act KRUSH. They anticipate honouring their tradition of a three-hour set, making this evening unforgettable, much like their previous gigs.
Rory says the goal for the event is to fill the venue. “A big part of this event is creating memories,” Rory says. “The more people in the crowd, the more fun the event is going to be. That is exactly what Riley would have wanted.”
Riley’s positive, loving and kind-hearted nature will be woven into every moment of the evening. Not only will parts of Riley live on in the five people whose lives he saved, his memory and impactful legacy will live on forever through his band, his family, his girlfriend and countless friends and fans.
To learn more about KRUSH 4 Riley, buy tickets for this exceptional evening or donate to the event, visit kidney.ca/events.
