Stick To Your Guns launches fundraiser for guitarist Josh James' family

Californian melodic hardcore band Stick To Your Guns have shared a GoFundMe campaign to help the family of guitarist Josh James, after a family member was beaten and left unconscious in an attack near Houston, Texas. "A family member of Josh's was brutally attacked and now in the ICU," the band wrote on Instagram. "Please donate if you can. Every penny helps."

The GoFundMe, created by Helena Spence, identifies the victim as Paul Ward, who was rushed by Life Flight to Hermann Memorial's ICU in Houston and remains on life support. "Paul has a long road ahead of him," Spence wrote. "His injuries will require extensive treatment, rehabilitation, and time to recover."

Spence wrote that Ward does not have medical insurance, leaving him facing steep costs at a time when the focus should be on healing, and that donations would go toward hospital bills, rehabilitation, transportation and other costs of his recovery. As of Metal Injection's report, the campaign had raised about $15,121, close to 45 percent of its $35,000 goal.

James has played lead guitar and sung backing vocals for Stick To Your Guns since 2012, appearing on every album the band has released since Diamond. The band's most recent record, Keep Planting Flowers, came out January 10, 2025, their eighth studio album, and the group has built its reputation on a melodic hardcore sound laced with metal flourishes and pointed social commentary.

Stick To Your Guns have not said whether the fundraiser will affect any upcoming tour plans. The band's post asked fans who cannot donate to at least share the campaign, framing it as the most direct way supporters can help Ward and his family through the recovery ahead.