Paul “Hammy” Halmshaw (Peaceville Records) suffering from terminal illness

Paul “Hammy” Halmshaw – founder of British independent heavy metal record label Peaceville Records, who specialize in death, black, and doom metal, plus crust punk tunes – is in need of assistance after becoming seriously ill during lockdown. Hammy found out he has hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy, which is a terminal illness, and as per The National Center for Biotechnology Information, is the most common cause of heart failure in young adults.

On social media, Peaceville Records write, “In case you missed the news about our founder, and legend, Paul “Hammy” Halmshaw, he’s not in great shape and has set up a just giving page to help with costs that will give him have a more comfortable life.”

They add, “Please consider giving anything you can at this time to assist the man who, through his great vision, undoubtedly helped instil some timeless memories in a great many of us.”

On the JustGiving crowdfunding page, Hammy is hoping to raise £10,000 to help fund a ground floor disabled access bathroom and bedroom. “To enable Hammy to continue living at his long time home he needs a ground floor bathroom and bedroom building ASAP,” states the campaign. “Would you be kind enough to donate some spare change to enable this?”

Founder of anarcho-punks Instigators and also a previous member of Civilised Society? and Sore Throat, Hammy has signed the like of Autopsy, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Anathema, Darkthrone, At the Gates, Vital Remain and more throughout his career. Hammy has also served as a producer on countless records, EPs, splits, demos, and compilations.

Peaceville Records also note that you can help support Hammy by grabbing a copy of his book, ‘Anything for a Peaceville Life.’