After helping so many others throughout his career, legendary Colorado musician needs community’s help as he battles cancer

If you’ve been to a bar, brewery, big concert, tiny concert or benefit show in Northern Colorado in the last decade, there’s a good chance Tim Elliot was behind the drum kit. He has played with country acts like the Sean Curtis Band and a long list of rock bands. Lots of musicians in the area also know him as the guy who calls when somebody needs help. Now Tim is fighting cancer, and the music community he has supported for years is turning out for him.

Tim started Drumming Up Hope in 2016. It began after he played a radio fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and was so moved that he wanted to do something bigger. His idea was a drum marathon. Dozens of drummers took turns at Thunder Mountain Amphitheatre in Loveland, keeping the beat going for more than 70 hours straight and chasing a world record, all to raise money for St. Jude. By 2022 he had raised about $25,000 for the hospital. He also organized “Marshallstock,” a series of five shows for first responders who lost their homes in the Marshall Fire, plus holiday toy drives. Denver7 named him an Everyday Hero. When someone stole his gear trailer that year, Tim told the station, “It’s hard for me to be on this side of it because I’m used to being on the other side of it.”

Now it’s his turn to be on the receiving end. Friends are throwing “Rockin’ for Tim,” a benefit concert on Sunday, Nov. 8 at Grimm Brothers Brewing in Loveland. Bands on the bill include El Loco Fandango, a Colorado tribute to “that little ol’ band from Texas,” MR Majestyk’s 8- track Revival, and Smokin (a Boston tribute band).  There will also be a silent auction, and all proceeds help Tim and his family with medical costs.

Tim’s motto has always been “Watch out for your neighbors. Be kind. Pay it forward.” This is a chance to return the favor to someone who has given a lot to Colorado.