Last Friday, Jonathan Poneman of Sub-Pop Records announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Poneman, now 53, co-founded the label that kickstarted the grunge movement of the nineties, by signing bands such as Soundgarden and Nirvana. Sub-Pop Records today includes bands that are proving just as successful, with current acts like Beach House, Iron & Wine, Mogwai, The Shins, and The Postal Service - all of whom are making huge tracks in the indie music scene.
Poneman spoke to the Seattle Times on the matter, stating that the Parkinson's made him feel "like the Tin Man without any oil" and "a human bowling pin."
However, Poneman also stated the following:
“My love of life and its precious elements became more vivid at the thought of seeing them fade away"
Furthermore, Poneman feels "truly grateful to the disease,” so much so that he is still organizing a free festival for Sup-Pop's 25th Anniversary, titled Silver Jubilee, which will take place on July 13th this summer. The festival's lineup isn't complete yet, but a few acts are up and so far, is looking to be great time.
We at Zumic wish Poneman the best during these hard times.
