A GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign has been set up to raise money for Jon Hassell who has recently fallen on hard times due to long-time health issues.

The campaign, which has an upper goal of $200,000, has been launched to help the Fourth World pioneer, now aged 83, achieve a "safe and sustainable living situation," a message accompanying its launch says. "As Jon is in the highest risk group for COVID-19, the urgency of his condition has become even more acute in recent weeks," the campaign's organisers – including his collaborators, family and friends – add.

Brian Eno, a close collaborator of Hassell's in the '80s, has also added his own message. He says:

"Jon Hassell is one of the most influential composers of the last 50 years. His invention of what he called ‘4th World Music’ opened the way for a fresh look at, and deeper respect for, the music of other cultures around the world. His recordings have had a big impact on other musicians, and, through them, have changed musical tastes dramatically. His unique intellectual contribution is also noteworthy: he is a tireless and articulate theorist as well as a great musician.

"Jon is going through hard times now. I feel that many of us owe him a debt of gratitude, so perhaps making a contribution to this fund is a way we can thank him."

You can support the campaign, and find out more, here.

Revisit tQ's 2018 The Strange World Of... feature on Jon Hassell here.