From Rolling Stone · Josh Crutchmer · · 1m 20s
Texas Music Rallies for Guitarist with ALS Diagnosis
Texas musicians rally around guitarist Rich Brotherton after his ALS diagnosis.
In brief
Texas musicians rally around guitarist Rich Brotherton after his ALS diagnosis. Texas musicians organized a fundraiser concert for Rich Brotherton, who was diagnosed with ALS, raising funds through the Devil's Backbone Tavern event. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Rich Brotherton diagnosed with ALS
Rich Brotherton confirmed an ALS diagnosis in August 2025.
Texas musicians rally for Brotherton
Musicians throughout Texas rallied around Brotherton after his ALS diagnosis.
Keen organizes fundraiser concert
Robert Earl Keen organized a fundraiser concert for Brotherton at Devil's Backbone Tavern in September 2026.
John Baumann releases tribute song
John Baumann released a tribute song to Brotherton titled 'Brotherton' in September 2026.
Baumann credits Brotherton's mentorship
Baumann credits Brotherton for mentoring him when he was 24 years old and helped him start his music career.
Brotherton's impact on Keen's music
Brotherton added rock edge to Keen's sound and produced two of his most acclaimed albums.
Keen and Brotherton's past relationship
Keen and Brotherton had irreconcilable differences in 2019 but Keen says they rebuilt their relationship through the fundraiser.
Fundraiser raises $80,000
A Night for Rich Brotherton raised nearly $80,000 in late 2025 through Austin's Paramount Theatre event.
What it means
Texas musicians organized a fundraiser concert for Rich Brotherton, who was diagnosed with ALS, raising funds through the Devil's Backbone Tavern event.
