Legendary punk outfit Social Distortion have been forced to postpone their summer touring slate in light of recent stage one tonsil cancer diagnosis for iconic frontman Mike Ness. Set to begin a summer trek due to begin at the end of the month, Social Distortion have halted the run with The Bellrays with plans to resume at a later date.
The news arrives as the band were finalizing the details for their eighth full length studio album. In the wake of the diagnosis and the resulting surgery for Ness, the work on the album has been paused as the road to recovery begins.
Ness took the opportunity to update fans on his progress, share the news of his pending radiation treatment and express his gratitude to the fans for their continued support. Read the statement in full below.
“We think that life is going to go according to our plan, but it has a way of saying “I don’t think so!”
In the midst of pre-production, I was diagnosed with stage one tonsil cancer. I was feeling well enough to continue with recording in the studio up until the very day before surgery. The band and I were so inspired and excited to lay down these tracks, which by the way sound f-ing AWESOME!
The recovery from surgery is a day-by-day process and in three weeks we start radiation and that should be the last therapy I need. The team of doctors are certain that once finished with this course, I will be able to start the healing and recovery process. We expect a full recovery enabling me to live a long and productive life.
It breaks my heart to post pone tours, and this album release, but time is required to heal. I can’t thank our loyal fans enough who have been waiting so patiently for this. While it will take a little longer-I promise you that it will be delivered and it will exceed your expectations.
I want you all to know that this has opened my eyes to a whole new struggle. I know it’s one that many of you or your loved ones have personally endured, and my heart goes out to you-because I now know what it’s like from this heavy experience.
I’m surrounded by love and support from my friends and family ESPECIALLY my lovely wife and incredible boys (oh and don’t forget my 3 dogs and kitty) THANK YOU ALL in advance to our unbelievable fans for YOUR love and support right now. ♥️
We WILL get through this….”
