Social Distortion’s Mike Ness Reveals Tonsil Cancer Diagnosis, Postpones Summer Tour

Social Distortion‘s Mike Ness has revealed that he has been diagnosed with stage 1 Tonsil Cancer.

As the 61-year-old singer and guitarist undergoes treatment, the band has postponed its upcoming tour and put the recording of a new album on hold.

The news of his serious ailment was disclosed by Ness himself, saying in a statement, “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,” he continued. “The band and I were so inspired and excited to lay down these tracks, which by the way sound f**king AWESOME!”

Added the Social Distortion frontman, “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.”

The punk rock band was scheduled to embark on a summer tour on June 30.

Ness said it breaks his heart to postpone the Summer Tour and the album release but promises that a new album “will be delivered” at some time later and will exceed fans’ expectations.