Derek Riggs: the Artist Behind Iron Maiden’s Iconic ‘Eddie’ Character Creates New Work for a Great Cause (VIDEO EXCLUSIVE)

This coming Saturday, April 27, the annual Metal Jam benefit for the organization Autism Speaks will be taking place at the Gaslampin Long Beach, Calif.

Metal Jam is the passion project of Jeff Fahnestock, a SoCal-based musician whose autistic son reacts and positively responds to certain Black Sabbath songs. Hosted by KNAC's DJ Jordan West aka The Junkman, the benefit will feature local musicians performing a pre-selected list of heavy metal classics from the likes of Dio, Megadeth, Rush and many others.

Besides the live musical performances, Metal Jam 2013 will also feature a raffle giving away some incredible memorabilia. Derek Riggs, the artist who created Iron Maiden's iconic "Eddie" character, designed the event's t-shirts which feature an original "Eddie" design, and a new lithograph which he will be signing at Metal Jam for just a $20 donation.

Noisecreep caught up with Fahnestock, Riggs and West (left-to-right in the photo above) in Huntington Beach, Calif. a few days ago to learn about the event and its important cause.

The 2013 Metal Jam goes down this Saturday, April 27 at the Gaslamp at 6251 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90803. The cover is $5 and the doors will be open from 11AM - 5PM. Head here for more info.

Watch Noisecreep's Metal Jam 2013 Chat