Sheffield: ‘I’d be dead if I hadn’t opened my guitar shop’

Sheffield: It all began in a quiet neighborhood. Ross Jackson, a former musician, was hitting rock bottom at 50, battling alcohol addiction. He realized he needed a change.

After a heart-to-heart with his therapist, he thought about starting something with guitars. That’s how Guitar Shack was born in 2007. Over the years, they’ve moved around but have become a beloved part of Sheffield’s music scene.

Ross credits the shop with saving his life. He says, “I’d be dead if it wasn’t for Guitar Shack.” Alcohol had taken a toll on his health and family. He even had a wake-up call when his son Tom confronted him one night after he’d been drinking.

Now, Ross is 68 and has been sober for a decade. He teaches guitar to kids and believes in the healing power of music. He even studied psychology to help others find their way through music.

Tom, now 32, helps run the shop and has a knack for repairing guitars. He loves bringing old instruments back to life. “People throw things away too quickly,” he says. “We fix what others don’t want.”

Their dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Local musicians, like Jon McClure from Reverend and the Makers, appreciate the shop’s unique vibe.

Looking ahead, Ross and Tom plan to finish a rehearsal room and open a studio. Ross admits they’re not in it for the money; it’s about passion. He’s ready to let Tom take the reins. “It’s his time now,” he says with pride.