The Paz Group Entertainment and Mind Blowing Productions will present HELL N BACK FEST at the Civic Theatre on March 6, beginning at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). The free, all-ages event will feature New Orleans bands CHA WA and Tortuous, Los Angeles hip-hop group Psycho Realm, and a surprise set from legendary New York Hardcore artists closing out the night.
HELL N BACK FEST was created by Helen Wilson to mark two milestones: her 60th birthday and the 10-year anniversary of the 2015 terrorist attack at the Bataclan Club in Paris. Wilson survived the attack while attending a concert with her close friend Nick Alexander, the band’s merchandise manager, who saved her life but was killed that night.
Following the attack, Wilson found renewed safety and connection through the hardcore music community. After attending her first hardcore show in 2024, she became actively involved in the scene, crediting New York Hardcore music and its community with helping her maintain sobriety and rebuild her life.
Originally from Los Angeles, Wilson moved to New Orleans in 1992 before relocating to Paris, where she founded Rock En Bol, a catering company that has supported touring artists for more than four decades. Her career in the music industry includes work with Elton John, U2, Metallica, Muse, Phil Collins and Nashville Pussy. She currently serves as production assistant and merchandise manager for Steve Hackett.
The festival’s name, HELL N BACK, reflects Wilson’s personal journey and resilience, symbolizing survival, recovery, and the ability to live again after trauma.
While the concert is free to attend, limited-edition merchandise will be available, with sponsorship support from Ghost Tequila. All proceeds and donations will benefit The Nick Alexander Music Trust, a UK-based nonprofit founded by Alexander’s family that provides musical equipment grants to small charities and community groups.
Free tickets and event details are available via Mind Blowing Productions at
mindblowingproductions.com/events.html
More information on The Nick Alexander Music Trust can be found at
thenickalexandermemorialtrust.com
