Zac Brown Band to Play Special Nashville ALS Benefit Show

Zac Brown Band are set to headline an ALS benefit show at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Thursday, Sept. 22. The event hits close to home for the band, as guitarist John Driskell Hopkins announced he had been diagnosed with the disease in May.

"Playing in Nashville, our home away from home, is always something special. This particular one is meaningful because we’re raising awareness and funds for one of our very own through @hoponacure," the band writes on Instagram.

"We see all the love and support @johndriskellhopkins has received thus far so we’re gonna bring the house down and show folks a good time in appreciation. Zamily pre-sale starts tomorrow, tickets on sale Friday @theryman."

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a paralyzing degenerative disease that can prohibit even simple daily functions. After noticing bouts of slurred speech and an inability to play notes quickly, Hopkins sought answers. The diagnosis rattled him, but he is determined to fight it for the sake of his daughters.

"I'm ready to fight this disease," he said after announcing his diagnosis. "I want to show my girls what a warrior their dad is."

In addition to his fight, Hopkins is hoping to help others in theirs. He started the Hop on a Cure foundation to raise money for research to study the disorder and find a cure. According to ALS.org, nearly 5,000 people are diagnosed with ALS — or Lou Gehrig's disease — every year. The life expectancy for those with the disease is typically two to five years.

Proceeds from Zac Brown Band's Nashville benefit show will go directly to Hop on a Cure.

The band are currently out on the road on their massive the Out in the Middle Tour, which will run into the fall. The trek has stopped at many iconic venues, including Fenway Park in Boston, Mass., and will also hit up the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Calif., on Nov. 4. The final date on the tour is Nov. 19 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz.