Zach Thompson will combine his musical and professional wrestling backgrounds when he performs at Headlocks for Henry on Friday, August 14, in Seymour, Indiana.
Thompson spoke exclusively with WrestlingHeadlines.com about his 20 years as a musician, his history with professional wrestling and what attendees can expect from his performance at the fundraiser.
Thompson primarily plays piano but also performs as a guitarist and singer. His musical style incorporates influences ranging from classic piano performers to comedy musicians.
“I’m Zach Thompson. I’ve been playing music in bands for 20 years, and solo for almost as long. My primary instrument is piano, but I also play guitar and sing. My piano style combines a lot of performers, from Chico Marx of the Marx Brothers to Ray Charles, and especially performers like Tim Minchin and Bo Burnham, who incorporate comedy.”
Mortimer Blankenship invited Thompson to perform at Headlocks for Henry. Thompson said he will become Marty Blankenship, the fictional twin brother of Mortimer, when he enters the wrestling environment.
“I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting the family, but I’ve heard so many stories. I was invited to play music at the show by Mortimer Blankenship. As some people in the wrestling sphere may be aware, when I’m not Zach Thompson the piano player, I’ve answered to the name of Marty Blankenship, the nicer twin brother of one Mortimer ‘Morty’ Blankenship.”
Thompson’s involvement with professional wrestling extends beyond his connection to Blankenship. He grew up watching the industry and has worked as a manager and ring announcer.
Thompson also revealed that he competed in one official Ohio Valley Wrestling match, teaming with Johnny Justice against his brother Mortimer and former OVW Champion Von Lilas.
“I was raised in professional wrestling and have many friends and family who have competed in OVW and other indie organizations. I have one official match to my name and was victorious with my tag team partner, Johnny Justice, against my brother Mortimer and his partner, former OVW Champion Von Lilas.”
“I’ve managed, ring announced and played music at similar benefit shows before. I love wrestling.”
Headlocks for Henry will support 18-month-old Henry Emily and his family. Henry, the son of Samantha and Andrew Emily, is battling Grade 3 Type A metastatic ependymoma.
Supreme Wrestling will present the event at the Jackson Live & Event Center, located at 981 C Avenue E in Seymour. Doors will open at 18:00, with Thompson scheduled to begin performing at 18:30. The professional wrestling portion of the event will begin at 19:30.
Advance tickets are available for $10 by contacting Blankenship through the official Headlocks for Henry Facebook event page. Tickets will cost $15 at the door. A silent auction will also be held, with all profits from the wrestling event and auction going to Henry’s family.
Local supporters can also donate at any JCBank location by telling the teller they would like to contribute to Henry Emily. People outside the area can contact Blankenship through the event page to arrange a contribution.
Thompson plans to perform familiar piano favorites and his own arrangements of rock songs. He may also incorporate music wrestling fans will immediately recognize.
“At the show for Henry, my performance will include some standard piano favorites, Billy Joel, Elton John and Ray Charles, along with some piano renditions of some of my favorite rock tunes. If the vibes are right, maybe just have some fun playing theme songs from your favorite superstars from the past and present.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit Zach Thompson, with a h/t to Wrestling Headlines for the exclusive interview.
