Guitarist Chris Foreman from the legendary band Madness has disclosed that he's been diagnosed with myeloma, a blood cancer that cannot be cured.
The 69-year-old musician shared the news through an emotional message on the group's Facebook page this afternoon, explaining that whilst the disease is incurable, it can be managed with treatment.
"What I've got is a form of cancer called myeloma. It's treatable but not curable. When I get it into remission (I will!) I should be able to get back to normal life," Mr Foreman wrote in his statement.
The veteran performer, who has been part of the Camden-formed band for 45 years, expressed determination to continue his musical career despite the diagnosis.
Mr Foreman, who has performed with the band for 45 years, discovered he had the disease following severe back and shoulder pain that became intolerable during a performance in France this June.
Medical tests subsequently revealed a tumour on his spine, leading to his diagnosis at Royal Sussex Hospital in early July.
Despite the challenging prognosis, the guitarist expressed determination to achieve remission and resume his musical career.
The musician underwent radiotherapy treatment that successfully eliminated the spinal tumour and alleviated his pain, whilst also receiving what he jokingly referred to as "a Spinal Tap too - rock n roll!"
Chris Foreman from Madness has been diagnosed with cancer
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His health complications extended beyond the tumour, with kidney function dropping to just 14 per cent, though he noted significant improvement following treatment.
"What I've got is a form of cancer called myeloma. It's treatable but not curable. When I get it into remission (I will!) I should be able to get back to normal life," Foreman wrote in his statement.
He remains optimistic about his prognosis, noting that some patients have managed the condition for two decades or longer.
The guitarist aims to return to performing next year, though acknowledges he faces a lengthy recovery period before rejoining his bandmates on stage.
The guitarist revealed that alcohol restrictions represent one of the most challenging aspects of his treatment, though he's discovered satisfactory alternatives including non-alcoholic margaritas and zero-alcohol beers.
"It's been really hard not being onstage with the band this year. They've worked really hard and the shows looked great. I don't know how they did it without me, to be fair," Foreman admitted in his statement.
He confirmed he would miss both the Butlins performances and the upcoming tour, describing this as "a great shame" but concluded his message with characteristic optimism, declaring in capital letters: "I'LL BE BACK!"
Throughout his ordeal, Foreman acknowledged receiving tremendous support from his bandmates, family, road crew and management team, all of whom have rallied around him during this difficult period.
Chris Foreman has been part of the Camden-formed band Madness for 45 years
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Supporters flooded social media with messages of encouragement following the announcement, with one fan writing: "Dear Chris, take the time to get back in shape. I've been a fan of Madness and you since 1979."
Another supporter whose husband also suffers from multiple myeloma offered practical advice, stating: "Managing your symptoms is key to feeling well. Good luck on your journey."
Chris Foreman in 1981
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Madness achieved extraordinary commercial success during the 1980s, becoming Britain's top-selling singles band of that decade with more than six million singles sold.
The group accumulated 15 top ten hits and spent 214 weeks on the UK Singles Chart between 1980 and 1986, ultimately selling over 28 million albums globally throughout their career.