Madness guitarist Chris Foreman has revealed he has been diagnosed with incurable cancer.
The 69-year-old musician shared the news with fans in a candid post on the band’s official Facebook page, explaining that his first symptoms appeared earlier this year.
He described experiencing “severe pain” across his upper back and shoulders, which led him to seek medical advice in June.
Speaking directly to supporters, Foreman recalled: “Earlier this year I had severe pain in my upper back and shoulders.
“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.”
The guitarist, known affectionately as “Chrissy Boy,” then shared how he has undergone radiotherapy, which has helped ease his pain.
He told fans: “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.”
Foreman confirmed he has been diagnosed with myeloma, a form of blood cancer that is treatable but not curable.
“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,” he wrote.
The guitarist said he is aiming to be back on stage next year, while praising his touring crew and family for standing by him throughout treatment.
He also revealed he has embraced a healthier lifestyle, swapping alcohol for non-alcoholic margaritas.
Foreman added: “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.
“One of the worst side effects is that I can’t drink alcohol but I’ve mastered a non alcoholic Margarita and those Zero alcohol beers ain’t too bad these days.”
Foreman is one of the original members of Madness, who rose to fame with their distinctive blend of ska and pop in the late 1970s.
The group, whose hits include Baggy Trousers, Our House and One Step Beyond, remain one of Britain’s most enduring bands, credited with shaping the sound of an era.
