Madness guitarist Chris Foreman reveals he has incurable cancer
Madness guitarist Chris Foreman has revealed that he is suffering from an incurable cancer.
Foreman revealed the tragic news via the band’s official Facebook page. He recounted the story of how he came to realise he had cancer, which began with severe pain in his upper back and shoulders.
He explained, “On the 28th of June we played a show in France and it had become unbearable. I had an MRI scan at the end of June and they found a tumour on my spine. On the 4th of July I went to the Royal Sussex and had all sorts of stuff done to me.”
Foreman still managed to find humour in the horrible recollection, sharing, “I had radiotherapy which blasted it and stopped the pain. I actually had a Spinal Tap too – rock n roll! I wasn’t in good shape, to say the least. My kidneys were only at 14% function, which has greatly improved since then.”
He then concluded that he has been diagnosed with myeloma, which is “treatable but not curable.” However, he remained positive, “When I get it into remission (I will!) I should be able to get back to normal life.”
Foreman also took the opportunity to thank those closest to him: “Some people have had this for 20 years or more. I have a long way to go before I get back onstage but I aim to be back next year. The band, my family, my road crew family and my management team have all been very loving and supportive.”
After noting that he can now no longer drink, so is learning to enjoy alcohol-free cocktails, Foreman admitted it has been “really hard not being onstage with the band this year.” He promised, in all caps, that he certainly aims to take the stage as soon as possible.
Foreman has devoted around five decades of his life to Madness, who rose to fame in the late 1970s.
The band will embark on a 13-date UK Hits Parade arena tour in December, though without Foreman behind the guitar.
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