I'm starting this fundraising campaign to help my dad and his wife with their monthly bills due to a sudden emergency which has resulted in him having a pacemaker installed.

At nearly 79, John has always led an extremely active life as a professional guitar player of more than 60 years -- but as the bottom has fallen out of the gig market, he's had to supplement his income by driving Uber and teaching guitar lessons.

After collapsing while loading out a gig a few nights ago, John was rushed to the hospital with a very low heart rate, and doctors have determined that he needs a pacemaker installed.

While the procedure is fairly routine at this point, John will be unable to play guitar, teach, or even drive for at least 30 days following the surgery.

Even with the support of his amazing wife Shannon, they are a two-income household to keep their life intact, and the loss of John's income for this month will put an extraordinary strain on their finances.

While both of them are fiercely independent and reluctant to ask for help -- they live on a very fine line with both of them having two or three jobs to keep the bills paid, and losing a month of income could mean having to take on more crushing debt just to get by.

John is one of the kindest and most loyal people I've ever known, and has provided many decades of entertainment to tens of thousands of people, and with your support he will be able to come back from this stronger and ready to stay on the stage for many years to come!