Zac Brown Band member John Driskell Hopkins talks living with ALS and reviving Ice Bucket Challenge

John Driskell Hopkins, who helped launch the Zac Brown Band, spoke to one outlet about coping with his ALS diagnosis made in late 2021. He described a “chasing the clock” mindset that pushes him to pack his schedule with studio sessions, family vacations and ongoing tour dates, despite a compromised voice that most fans do not notice. Hoping his condition progresses slowly, he plans ahead to 2027, even considering whether he will still be able to sing at future festivals.

The resurgence of the Ice Bucket Challenge this summer prompted Hopkins and his nonprofit, Hop On A Cure, to post a new video and encourage other ALS groups to join. He reflected on the original 2014 challenge the band participated in, noting how little they then understood about the disease. While he admits feeling physically weak, he continues to act strong on stage and uses his platform to raise awareness and funds for ALS research.