Exclusive Q&A with Garbo

Jonas Brothers’ bass guitarist Greg “Garbo” Garbowsky will volunteer as a Celebrity Barber on March 20 at the LAPD/LAFD St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event in Panorama City, CA. Garbo will be signing autographs on St. Baldrick's items in exchange for $10 donations to the Foundation.

Click here to learn more about how you can meet Garbo!

Check out the Q&A with Garbo to learn more about his love for music and why he’s supporting St. Baldrick’s and the cause of childhood cancer research:

Q:        What did you think when your dad first told you he would be shaving his head for St. Baldrick’s?

A:        When my father first told me he would be shaving his head for St. Baldrick's I was shocked.  He has a full head of hair and I'd never seen him with his head shaved.  Once he told me his inspiration for doing this, I was completely inspired and proud of him.  I looked up to his boldness for spreading information about children's cancer.

Q:        Why did you choose to support St. Baldrick’s and attend an event?

A:        My father's involvement first got me interested in working with St. Baldrick’s, but also, once I heard the facts about children's cancer and how strong the kids are who are affected, I wanted to help raise money and awareness.

Q:        Did you always want to be a musician?

A:        I've always liked music, but I fell in love when I got my first bass guitar for Christmas at age 13.  I played in bands throughout high school but didn't consider music to be something I could do beyond that.  It wasn't until I was 18 and met the Jonas Brothers that I was able to turn music into my full-time occupation and hopefully continue into a lifelong career.

Q:        Having traveled the world on band tours and participated in music projects with Disney and the like, has your perspective on life and giving back changed?

A:        Growing up, there were so many people who gave up their time to help me, whether in academics, music, or sports. Without them, I would not have gotten to the point in my life where I am able to travel the world and play music for a living.  Having an opportunity to encourage kids growing up now is something I'm so thankful for.  It's my way of paying forward all of the help people gave me when I was younger that prepared me for anything that happens in life.

Q:        Do you have any family members or friends who have battled cancer? If so, how have those experiences affected you?

A:        A friend of mine, Bobby, has had cancer for a year and a half now and is part of the reason why my father felt compelled to shave his head for St. Baldrick's last year.  I remember when he was first diagnosed it seemed as if the cancer had come out of nowhere.  I can't even begin to imagine his personal battle, but I know it's a hard road.  Since Bobby's cancer had hit close to home for me, it made me realize the reality of having cancer and how it can throw your life completely upside down.

Q:        Have you ever known a child/kid whose battled cancer? If so, how have those experiences affected you? If not, what do you think about the children and families who are enduring this journey?

A:        Through touring with the Jonas Brothers, I've met many wonderful kids at concerts who are battling cancer.  They probably don't know it, but they have inspired me and the rest of the band immensely.  Seeing the bravery in their eyes when I meet them and watching them have fun and enjoy the concert in the audience gives me such a tremendous amount of respect for the kids and families who are going through one of the toughest journeys in life.  I'm honored to know them.

Q:        Did you know that every 3 ½ minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer? Or that one in five kids diagnosed won’t survive? Learning these statistics, how does this change/enhance your support for the cause?

A:        Cancer doesn't discriminate and can affect anyone.  It's unfair that cancer would afflict anyone, especially children. I think these horrible statistics make it obvious to anyone who hears them that foundations like St. Baldrick’s and others raising awareness need support to further the medicine and research.  It makes me realize that the issue of children's cancer needs immediate attention all year round so it can be put to end quickly.