Rocker Rick Springfield is hitting the stage in Los Angeles to help his longtime friend and guitar technician pay for cancer costs.

Ruben Velasco has been diagnosed with stage four cancer and his hospital bills are piling up, so the Jessie's Girl singer has organised a benefit at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip to raise funds for his ailing pal.

The rocker says, "Ruben Velasco, our friend and guitar tech extraordinaire is fighting for his life. He has been diagnosed with fourth stage cancer and has a lot of medical expenses coming up in his fight. Any and all donations would be loved and welcomed."

Guitarist John 5, who will appear alongside Springfield at the Rock For Ruben benefit on 20 August (14), adds, "I have been with Ruben since 1998. He has been my guitar tech for many years and a very close, dear friend.

"It was heartbreaking to hear this news and it is so important to raise this money to help Ruben in his battle against cancer as well as raising awareness."