Following the diagnosis of ALS in 2022, Zac Brown updates the audience on how John Driskell Hopkins is faring while on the road.
The 44-year-old lead singer of the Zac Brown Band tells PEOPLE at Chicago’s Windy City Smokeout that “it’s been hard for Hop and our band, but he is our brother and we’re doing all that we can to support him every day.”. On Sunday at the festival, the band played.
“Thanks to our Zamily, we’ve been able to make big strides with supporting Hop’s organization Hop on a Cure in finding and providing the resources and support needed to help find a cure for ALS,” says Brown of the band’s appreciation from the “Zamily” of fans who have contributed to Hopkins’ ALS fundraising efforts. “.
In a video message posted in May 2022, Hopkins, 52, disclosed that he has ALS, which is a slow-progressing set of symptoms. On June 30, he toured North America as part of the Zac Brown Band’s From the Fire tour, performing alongside Brown and the rest of the group.
Even if they weren’t traveling across the country to perform for thousands of fans, a health condition like that would be difficult to manage, but according to Brown, his band, which has been playing together since 2002, is as much a family as blood relatives. “We share meals and laugh together, and we always have each other’s backs. We have a really supportive tribe, and Brown tells PEOPLE, “I’m blessed to call them my brothers and sisters.
Brown makes an effort to stay in touch with his family, even when they are unable to accompany him on tour, even though he enjoys the summer festival circuit (“I love the chance to play in front of people that have never seen us before,” the singer says).
He has four daughters and a son with his ex-wife Shelly Brown, and he also got engaged to Kelly Yazdi, 31, last year. Brown says of his family’s ability to occasionally accompany him on tour, “I’m grateful.”.
“We communicate frequently when we’re apart.
The most important thing to me is having a connection with them. ”.
The performer intends to spend the remainder of the summer with his loved ones in between performances. In the summer, Brown tells PEOPLE, “My family and I love to be by the water, so we’ll be out on the lake.”. “When I’m not on tour, I like to spend time with my family, make new music, and go on adventures. “.
Hopkins has been working to change the healthcare system ever since being diagnosed with ALS last year, and his appearance on Brown’s tour with him is part of that effort.
In an interview with PEOPLE about the Zac Brown Band’s post-concert celebration of the MLB’s third annual Lou Gehrig Day, the musician discussed his health and what motivates him.
I don’t feel much different from how I did this time last year. I can tell that some things are still progressing slowly,” Hopkins exclusively told PEOPLE. Although I really notice it as a singer, I’m still playing, performing, and singing despite the fact that my voice is being affected. “.
