Tim Cronin, longtime drummer and a founding member of Monster Magnet, has been diagnosed with ALS, and those close to him have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset the mounting medical costs tied to the condition. The fundraiser, which went live recently, is already being shared across the music community, with messages of support coming in from fans, fellow musicians, and colleagues who’ve worked with Pantella over the years.

The diagnosis comes as a heavy blow, not only to those who know him personally but also to the many who’ve followed his decades-long career in rock and heavy music. Tim Cronin, whose drumming helped shape the sound of Monster Magnet in its earliest days, has also been involved with groups like Riotgod and The Atomic Bitchwax, keeping a steady presence in the scene.

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive disease that affects the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle movement. It gradually makes even basic tasks difficult, and managing the symptoms often requires full-time care, specialised equipment, and frequent medical support. Much of this isn’t covered through traditional health insurance, which is why the fundraiser was created, to allow Tom Cronin to focus on comfort and care without being overwhelmed by the financial side of it all.

According to the message posted on the GoFundMe page, the funds raised will go toward daily assistance, mobility needs, home accommodations, and transportation for treatment. It’s not just about medical bills, they wrote, it’s about preserving quality of life in the face of a disease that takes a real toll, both physically and emotionally.

So far, supporters have begun to respond, sharing the campaign and spreading awareness about the situation of Tim Cronin. In the process, many have also revisited his past work, highlighting the role he’s played in some of the genre’s more iconic projects. While Monster Magnet gained mainstream recognition in the ‘90s, Cronin’s influence extended far beyond that. His playing has always been described as consistent, powerful, and locked into the kind of groove that helped define the band’s sound early on.

There’s no roadmap for something like this, but the hope is that the campaign will bring in enough support to ease the weight of what’s ahead. For fans of Tom Cronin, the fundraiser offers a direct way to show appreciation for someone who has quietly powered a wide swath of underground rock for decades.

His contribution to the scene has always been steady, even if not front and center. Now, it’s his turn to be supported in return.