Sad news today from the Pacific Northwest. Sub Pop co-founder Jonathan Poneman, who helped introduce the "Seattle sound" to the world, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

According to The Seattle Times, he first realized something was wrong when he had lunch in New York with a radiologist friend, and his friend asked him how his health had been. "JP" (as friends call him) had been feeling sluggish and tired, as well as having trouble with his right hand. “I realized then … I can’t deny this anymore," he told the paper of the experience.

A few tests later, his diagnosis was confirmed, and he had some "morbid thoughts," as anyone would. However, he has since used the disease as inspiration to throw himself into his life and work even more wholeheartedly than before. Since his diagnosis, the 53-year-old music lover has gotten in touch with his spiritual side, improved his "mindfulness" towards others, and married his longtime girlfriend Magdalena Panak. "As ironic as it sounds, I am truly grateful to the disease," he says.

Poneman has replaced his desk chair at Sub Pop with a stationary bike, as exercise has been shown to alleviate some of the symptoms of Parkinson's. He can still be seen out at shows and festivals, although he says he is "less inclined to go up front, because I am a human bowling pin." He's also helping plan an awesome sounding free festival for Sub Pop's 25th anniversary celebration called "The Silver Jubilee," which will take place in Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood this coming July. Along with classic Sub Pop favorites like Mudhoney and J. Mascis, the festival will have a booth dedicated to collecting funds for Parkinson's research.

All in all, it seems Poneman has done an amazing job negotiating what is no doubt a difficult time in his life. We here at MTV Hive wish him and his family nothing but the best.