Fatal Film's Matt Potter, the one-man musical force behind many of the best songs to ever come from the New London scene, is recovering from a savage beating he suffered last week at the hands (and feet) of what a witness described as a group of at least six young men.

According to Rich Martin, the official and unofficial spokesman for All Things Artistically New London, Potter is recuperating and out of the hospital after several days of treatment and observation; along with two broken cheekbones and a broken nose, he was kicked in the head so many times there was some bleeding in the brain.

Rich says Matt doesn't remember much of the attack other than it wasn't precipitated by any sort of confrontation — he was en route to see a friend and was seemingly targeted and then set upon.

Good Samaritan and hero in this case is Dylan Bishop, a member of the NL hardcore band Consequences, who happened on the assault, scared the attackers off, and called the police.

The best news is that Potter should physically recover, although it could take a while.

Who knows about the mental aspect? Will Matt or any of us still have that innocent sense of power and freedom that comes from the feeling you can roam at will across your much-loved city because that's part of its charm?

Gang initiation? Junkies? Thieves? Hey, fill in your own "urban nightmare." It happened.

Several local bands will perform Friday and Saturday evenings at the Oasis Pub in New London with all proceeds going to help Matt with medical expenses, rent, and lost income from work. Already confirmed are Straight to VHS, Dorian James & the Brood, Mercutio, and the Paul Brockett Roadshow Band. The cover both nights is a very reasonable five bucks. Music starts at 9:30 p.m. The folks at the Y-Knot Cafe have offered to donate 20% of their food sales from Friday and Saturday to the cause -- so show up hungry.

For updates on Matt's condition and up-to-date info on the e'er-growing list of benefit performers, access wailingcity.com. For more details on how to contribute or help, call Rich Martin at 860-857-6337.

All best wishes for a complete recovery, Matt. "First Step" was playing because I queued up Thrill'r when I started typing this blog; "Rocks" is on now, which doesn't necessarily mean I'm a slow typist because I've hit REPEAT on "Rocks" three times in a row. It, er, rocks.

And so, again, shall you.