Well, over the past few weeks my son, Rudy, and I have each had a run of crap luck with bad guys stealing our stuff. Looks like insurance may not cover it and the replacement costs are not within our reach at this point. As a result, I'm leaning on you good people in the world out there for some help.

I honestly hate to ask and am more than a bit resistant to this idea, as I have always prided myself on being resourceful and getting through tough spots on my own. I know that I have instilled this in Rudy, too. But, hey, we could use some help, so I am reaching out to my community.

While on tour in Seattle, one of my tech cases was stolen from a venue we played at. This box was new to me, purchased for the tour, and contained several tools, backup tubes, strings, various replacement parts, cables, pedals, etc.

One day later, I got an early morning phone call and my son, Rudy's, truck cover was sliced open and his truck bed was cleaned out of the majority of his tools that he uses for his work with Broke Poet Services, the business we have together. This was devastating to the kid and he is now left with limited tools for his day to day work. I am in contact with our insurance company, but it looks like none of this will be covered for various "reasons", for either of us.

Anyone that knows Rudy and I, knows that we work hard and value that work. Whether it's helping out folks with their home repairs/remodels or keeping the band tuned and ready for the show night after night. We take pride in what we do and do it honestly and with commitment.

I am swallowing my pride and reaching out today to ask you good folks for some help with the replacement costs for our tools. We honestly don't have the cash to cover it all, so anything will help. I want you to know, anything is appreciated....times are challenging out there and I truly get that. It's tough for me to ask for help, but what the hell, I'll take a chance.

Once we meet the goal for replacement costs for our tools, I will stop the fundraising and anything we receive beyond what we need, will be paid forward to another fundraiser or organization. Thanks much!