Jesse Valencia | GORKY

Ben Holladay is a beloved father, son, brother, friend, and seasoned actor of both the screen and stage in addition to being the co-founder, drummer, and lead percussionist for the band Gorky from 2001 until his death in 2023 due to complications from Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a rare genetic disease which he did not learn he had until contracting Covid-19 in 2020, near the start of the pandemic. 

Despite suffering silently for many years, Ben did not become aware of his condition until it was too late. But whatever limitations he felt his body had up until that time, he had quietly overpowered them by sheer willpower to deliver some of the best performances on stage, in the studio, and on screen of his generation. 

It is our hope that Ben's story and body of work with Gorky will inspire others who are suffering from Alpha-1, and know they are still capable of achieving great and incredible things, that having Alpha-1 is not the end of life, and to live one's life to the very fullest, as Ben did. 

We also hope to raise awareness for Alpha-1 by encouraging our friends, followers, and fans to contribute to the Alpha-1 Foundation at THIS LINK.

Thank you for your continued support of Gorky, and together let's work towards finding a cure for Alpha-1!