Musicians charity Sweet Relief to help Billy Zoom during cancer treatment

A few weeks ago, seminal Los Angeles punk band X announced that guitarist Billy Zoom would be stepping offstage to battle an aggressive form of bladder cancer. His bandmates and management immediately started a GoFundMe drive with the goal of raising $50,000 to “help him get better, help take care of his family and lessen his woes.”

Unsurprisingly, friends and fans quickly stepped up to help Zoom wage war. Since the drive commenced, his fund has generated more than $80,000 in support.

On Tuesday, the musicians charity Sweet Relief announced further measures to help Zoom. The organization, which provides financial assistance to career musicians wrestling with bills while battling illness, disability or age-related problems, will step in to manage the donations and provide guidance on medical bills, insurance plans and after-care resources. Founded in 1993 by artist Victoria Williams after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Sweet Relief will assist Zoom and his family throughout the process.

“X and Billy Zoom have been amazing supporters of our cause to assist musicians for the past two decades,” Sweet Relief Executive Director Rob Max said in a statement. “We are grateful and honored to be working with Billy and his family.”

Those interested in donating can do so either at the GoFundMe site or the Sweet Relief fundraising page. All donations through either portal will land in the Zoom family hands.

And don’t miss X’s show Aug. 8 at the Annenberg Space for Photography at Century Park. The band, which is touring with guitarist Jesse Dayton (Waylon Jennings, Supersuckers), will appear along with Dwight Yoakam as part of KCRW’s Sound in Focus series.

Follow Randall Roberts on Twitter: @liledit