Former musician Ross Jackson was on a quest to get sober after battling alcoholism for years when he turned 50. His therapist asked him what he wanted to do next and he said that he had a passion for guitars. In 2007 he founded Guitar Shack in Walkley, a suburb of Sheffield. Over the years, his business became a pillar of the city, and it now sits on a cobbled street on the edge of the city center.
Ross claims that the guitar business saved his life. Alcohol was taking a toll on his family life and wellness. He was told by a doctor that he was at risk of liver failure. One night, he came back home from the pub “gobbing off,” and his son Tom smacked him. Tom, now 32, who was once a tearaway, works with him and is equally passionate about guitars.
The father and son duo has moved into a new location to try and create a space for musicians to buy guitars, have lessons, rehearse, record, and even perform live. Ross, who hasn’t touched alcohol in a decade, teaches teenagers the guitar. Additionally, he studied psychology and therapy and wants to show others the healing power of music.
Tom is responsible for repairing instruments in his workshop. He recalled that he struggled in school but loved woodwork and began making and designing his own guitars. The duo has won the hearts of Sheffield’s music scene, and their customers have loyally followed them. Reverend and the Makers’ lead singer, Jon McClure, recently even acquired an “old-fashioned English bandstand guitar” from Guitar Shack.
Despite the success of the business, Ross said they were not businessmen, and their priority was not to make more money. He plans to take a step back soon, and Tom will take over the business. They want to finish building a rehearsal room and open a studio in the future
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