Sweet Relief Musicians Fund Announces John Langenstein Fund

John Langenstein has been a vital part of the music industry since 1987, travelling the world on rock tours with iconic acts like Jackson Browne, Phish, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

This year, however, John has faced significant health challenges, suffering multiple seizures and two strokes, which have left him hospitalized and unable to work. His recovery may be a long road, but he remains hopeful about returning to his passion next year.

In the meantime, we ask for your support through donations (donate now) to help cover John’s medical bills, rent, and other vital living expenses as he focuses on healing.

A letter from John…

“To My Friends at Sweet Relief,

Good day, my name is John Langenstein. I am 65 years old and have been travelling on rock tours since 1987. I have had the honour of being with Jackson Browne (37 years), Phish (18 years) and Crosby, Stills & Nash (seven years).

I also have had the honour of taking Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young on their two (2) world reunion tours.

I have done many of the festivals currently in the United States. I helped design Bonnaroo; I was security director for all of the ten Phish Festivals. I’ve done Boston Calling for the past six years. Several years’ worth of Atlantic City Beach Concerts. Tortuga, Hangout, Electric Forest, and Hulaween.

In 2015, I was The Director of Event Security for The Papal Visit in the United States. I spent three weeks travelling with the Holy Father.

On July 10th of this year, I suffered several seizures with two strokes. One which was minor occurred at home, but the second stroke happened in the Abington Hospital ER. I was hospitalized for ten days, learning the basics, as I recovered.

The three fingers on my left hand have gone dull. I do have some trouble walking long distances, I do use a cane to assist me when needed during those walks. My speech is slightly affected. Being from Philadelphia our dialect is a fast speech. I have noticed mine has slowed down considerably.

Remembering dates and days has become somewhat troublesome but is improving as the months go on. I hope to return to work in late January 2025 and work most of the main festivals, through the spring and summer.

During my recovery, I have not been able to work, which resulted in loss of income and the reason for my writing this letter to you.

I want to take the time to THANK YOU for assisting us in any way you can. My bride, Joy, has battled cancer for three (3) years now. She’s in remission but unfortunately now will need a possible knee replacement surgery in the future, along with a possible carpal tunnel operation. I’m recovering from my stroke thankfully with minimal physical effects. I also will have a hand surgery scheduled for sometime in December.

Again, my utmost thanks to you for me and my family in hope to get back to health and on our feet again.

Most sincerely,

John Langenstein”

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides services and financial assistance for all types of career musicians and music industry professionals. Grant recipients include recording artists, club and session musicians, composers & songwriters from across the country, road crew, agents, managers and many others. Sweet Relief grants are earmarked for medical and vital living expenses, including insurance premiums, prescriptions, medical treatment and operative procedures, housing costs, food costs, utilities, and other basic necessities.