Like so many entertainers who live and perform in Las Vegas, Michael T. Ross is out of work.
The coronavirus has closed the Rio All-Suites and Casino and the showroom where Ross and the rest of the Raiding the Rock Vault cast performs.
Ross, a Type 2 diabetic, has had to become creative, looking for ways to stay ahead of his finances and remain healthy. The cornoavirus has effected so many people in so many ways.
“There are ups and downs in rock and roll, which reflects the roller coaster ride which is life,” said Ross, who is not infected with COVID-19 himself, but the current health issue has had a direct result on his well being. “For me personally, I am use to being in front of a crowd every night and now I am at home and isolated.”
The Lita Ford and Missing Persons keyboardist went on to say, “With Vegas closing, the pandemic has also hit me financially.”
See “Performers come together to aid Las Vegas”
It was March of 2012, during his first week after joining the all-star cast of Raiding the Rock Vault that he had his first encounter with illness. The curtain opened on his fourth show with the band when he starting feeling poorly.
No one had noticed that the famed keyboardist was playing with just one hand. When the curtain had closed on the show, he took a few steps and collapsed. A collaborative effort from band mates, Tracii Guns (L.A. Guns), Stephanie Calvert (Starship), and Robin McAuley (McAuley Schenker Group) tended to him, called an ambulance, and got him to the hospital.
When he woke up, Ross was informed he had a blood sugar level of 500 (normal is under 140) and that he is a Type 2 diabetic.
He debated staying silent, but stepped forward because he felt that there are others out there that are in need and perhaps he might inspire those people to also step forward and ask for help.
A gofundme page (Michael Ross) was set up recently with a goal of $780 and expected five to 10 people locally to donate maybe a few hundred dollars. What he didn’t expect was over 128 contributors from all around the world have donated over $5,416 to date.
He caught up on his past medical bills, his refills are in for the next 90 days, he paid his insurance, and set up all his future needed appointments. And for the last few days, his levels are back to normal.
“I want to thank everyone that participated in helping me in my time of need and I will get back to all of you personally for allowing me to eventually return to what I want most, to spread love and give smiles to people through music. “ Ross tearfully said.
So many people contributed to this column, collectively declaring, that whether you know him through music or know him personally, Michael is one of the most giving, caring, and sweetest people ever.
RTRV lead singer Paul Shortino (Quiet Riot) said: “I think it’s great when people help other people. That’s what we’re here on the planet to do, help each other.”
If you want to reach out to Michael, his facebook page is “Michael T. Ross.” And when this is all over, you can catch the six-time Best of Las Vegas award winning show, Raiding the Rock Vault at the Rio.
“The coronavirus has hit all of us,” Ross said. “If you need help, come forward, we are here for you and together, we will get through this.”