A permanent memorial honouring late Every Time I Die guitarist and professional wrestler Andy “The Butcher” Williams is set to be created in his hometown of North Tonawanda, New York.
Williams’ former Every Time I Die bandmate Jordan Buckley revealed the plans on September 28th, confirming that a statue of Andy seated on a bench will be built at Gratwick Riverside Park, along the Niagara River Greenway.
Buckley announced the project shortly after a public celebration of Williams’ life was held at Buffalo RiverWorks on September 27th, where friends, family and fans gathered to remember him. The event included acoustic tributes from Stephen Brodsky and Adam McGrath of Cave In, Dan O’Connor and Alan Day of Four Year Strong, and Anthony Green.
Fans will also be able to become a permanent part of the memorial by purchasing a personalised engraved brick. According to the official Andy Williams Forever website, the bricks will be incorporated into the memorial at Gratwick Park and can feature up to three lines of custom text.
Williams grew up in the North Tonawanda area and became known around the world through two very different careers. He was a founding guitarist of Every Time I Die, appearing on all nine of the band’s studio albums, before establishing himself as professional wrestler The Butcher and competing extensively with All Elite Wrestling.
Williams passed away earlier this month at the age of 48 after suffering a medical emergency following a wrestling match in Pennsylvania.
The memorial project now gives those who knew and followed Williams a permanent place to remember him in the community he called home.
More information about the memorial and personalised bricks is available through Andy Williams Forever.