by Klaus Kinski

Tig Notaro @ BV-SXSW 2010 (more by Tim Griffin)

Tig with her good friend Dave Hill

There's that well-worn saying that "bad things happen to good people" and I've always hated that saying because good things happen to good people too... and good things happen to bad people... and bad things happen to bad people. Basically, shit happens! To anyone! Anywhere! But sometimes the news of something bad happening to someone I adore and respect is so profoundly terrible that the cliche "bad things happen to good people" slams through the doorway of my brain, opens its trenchcoat and says "Ta da!"

A while back the blogosphere, or blognation, or blogtation, or blogtinent, or whatever you call it exploded with the story that during an August 3rd performance at Largo in LA, Tig Notaro made a public announcement that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in both breasts just one day prior to said performance. What followed was a performance that had the audience (which included folks like Louis CK and Ed Helms) riveted. But the tragic news of cancer wasn't the only thing that had befallen Tig in the 4 months leading up to that performance; her mother passed away unexpectedly, she ended a long-term relationship with her partner, she battled pneumonia, and while beginning work filming the feature In a World, she contracted a deadly bacterial infection in her digestive tract, causing her to lose 20 pounds and be hospitalized for a week. How anyone could muster the strength to endure such an array of tragedy in such a short time is beyond me. But Tig... she not only had the strength, but she shows no signs of being defeated by it.

As I mentioned, the great Louis CK was in attendance at the show and he had the foresight to ask Largo owner Mark Flanagan if he happened to record her set. Luckily, it was recorded and on Friday October 5th 2012, Louis released Tig's performance in its entirety as her sophomore album, entitled LIVE (as in, continue to live) exclusively from his website. This audio recording is only $5; from each purchase, Louis gets $1 and Tig gets $4. Tig is donating some of the proceeds to cancer research to boot. If you have never heard Tig, you've been missing out. She is the greatest. At her CD release show at the Knitting Factory on August 20th 2011 I literally did a spit-take which was very unfortunate for the people sitting around me (that is one of only two spit-takes I've ever done; the other occurred the other day while watching the Inbetweeners discussing Sleeping Beauty). Read Louis CK's entire message regarding this recording below.

In other Tig news, she is continuing to dominate the shit out of life. On September 20, 2012 she appeared on Conan (watch that interview below), and has been profiled in The New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Fast Company, and the Huffington Post with other profiles being scheduled as we speak with Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, Dr. Oz, and more. Tig also just closed a book deal with a top publishing house, Ecco, an imprint of Harper Collins, after a competitive 6-way bidding war. She had some fall tour dates scheduled, but they all appear to be canceled.

From what I've heard, the cancer treatments she has undergone appear to be working and her prognosis is looking positive. All of us at BV wish Tig the very best.

Continue reading "Louis CK releases live Tig Notaro performance, the one where she revealed she has cancer (buy it now!)"

Jeff Winterberg, a beloved musician, photographer, friend & family member, was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in late 2011. Since that time he has begun a rigorous course of treatment which started with surgery to his brain in February of 2012. Diagnosed with a medulloblastoma, this form of brain cancer typically manifests in children, only affecting less than 2% of adults. Because of the rarity in adults, little is known about the long term effects or prognosis. Jeff has been fortunate enough to be receiving significant care through Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and his doctors have high hopes for his recovery. In the meantime, his early treatment has been hard on his body. Between the surgery and first 6 weeks of radiation mixed with chemotherapy, his sight, speech, and motor functions have been affected, limiting his abilities. Beginning in early June, he will start another cycle of chemotherapy (six rounds) in hopes of destroying any remaining cancer cells.
Jeff has a long road of recovery ahead of him beyond the 6 rounds of chemotherapy such as extensive physical therapy, and life-long tests to monitor the cancer.

The rumors appear to be confirmed. We've lost one of our generation's musical legends and one of my personal heroes. As many are reporting and tweeting (including Russell Simmons, Questlove, TMZ and Pitchfork), Adam Yauch aka MCA of the Beastie Boys, who has been fighting cancer for a few years, passed away today at the way too young age of 47.

UPDATE: Beastie Boys issue official statement.

Continue reading "Beastie Boy MCA aka Adam Yauch has passed (R.I.P.)"

by BBG

NOT Sham 69, but Cockney Rejects

Bad news from the Sham 69 (Pursey/Parsons) camp...

"In March my father was diagnosed with asbestosis lung cancer. Since then the situation for my family has got worse and my fathers prognosis is not good as it has just become apparent that he has the most aggressive form. We have just been told that he now only has weeks to live and indeed his condition is already deteriorating. My family has only recently lost my mother so this makes it very difficult for me not to be here for my father and family. You will have to forgive me but I have to tell you now so you can at least have time to inform all fans. I am so sorry for this situation." - Jimmy Pursey

The news means the cancellation of all US dates; the NYC show has been scrapped altogether (refunds available via the point of purchase), but Sham 69 was replaced by oi greats Cockney Rejects at Chaos in Tejas and Punk Rock Bowling. Tickets are still available for both Punk Rock Bowling and Chaos in Tejas in various increments (festival passes, shows by day, etc).

Check out the latest Chaos in Tejas flyer, along with some Cockney Rejects videos below.

Continue reading "Sham 69 cancels all dates due to family emergency; Cockney Rejects take their place @ Chaos & PR Bowling"

Tickets for the recently announced Van Halen show at Izod Center on 7/13 with Ky-Mani Marley go on presale Friday (4/19) at noon with a presale code of "ACCESS".

In related news, Eddie Van Halen recently spoke to Esquire about many personal details of his life...

The funny thing is, about the whole alcoholism thing: It wasn't really the partying. It was like -- I don't mean to blame my dad [musician Jan Van Halen], but when I started playing in front of people, I'd get so damn nervous. I asked him, "Dad, how do you do it?" That's when he handed me the cigarette and the drink. And I go, Oh, this is good! It works! For so long, it really did work. And I certainly didn't do it to party. I would do blow and I would drink, and then I would go to my room and write music.

This hearbreaking message is posted on Levonhelm.com:

Dear Friends,
Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey.

Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration... he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage...

We appreciate all the love and support and concern.
From his daughter Amy, and wife Sandy

Primus at Roseland (more by Kurt Christensen)

Ahoy there all,
I just wanted to thank everyone for the support my nephew Mathew has received over the last year. It has been amazing how many folks have put forth the effort to help my brother and his family. Unfortunately, just at a time when he's learning to walk, little Matthew has had a major relapse and is back at Stanford Medical Center for treatment. To see what this little guy has gone through these last twelve months has been heart wrenching and to think he has to go through it again is just beyond comprehension.
Matthew will undergo an intense round of chemotherapy this month in the hope of getting his blood levels back to a status where he can receive a bone marrow transplant. As far as a donor, we have decent options within the family but there could potentially be a better match out there somewhere. If anyone is inclined, check out: www.marrow.org for information on how to see if they are good match for Little Matthew or others in the same terrible situation. It is a simple procedure to test and the program has saved a lot of lives.

Thanks again for the support,
Les Claypool

In the meantime, Primus will try and move toward a sense of normalcy with a string of European dates what will take place after a smaller-than-usual-show at Music Hall of Williamsburg on 2/8. Tickets for the Brooklyn show go on AMEX presale on 1/11 at noon and regular sale on Friday.

Primus are also scheduled to play Summer Camp Music Festival (not to be confused with Summer Camp the band who just announed some shows) in Chillicothe, IL from May-25th-27th. The three day festival will feature a bevy of jammy all-stars (moe., Umphrey's Mcgee, etc) as well as an appearance from Gogol Bordello who recently played NYC twice: Dec 30th and Dec 31st. Primus played their own pair of New Year's Eve shows in San Francisco.

All tour dates and some song streams are below.

Continue reading "Primus schedule initmate Brooklyn show, asking for more help for Les's nephew Mathew"

by BBG

Tony Iommi at Saint Vitus (more by Samantha Marble)

Legendary BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of cell that forms part of the immune system.

Iommi is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan and remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.

This comes as BLACK SABBATH -- Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums) -- are writing and recording their first album in 33 years in Los Angeles (still set for release this fall) with producer Rick Rubin. They will now go to the U.K. to continue to work with Tony. -[Blabbermouth]

Continue reading "Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath has lymphoma"

Jenny Conlee @ Beacon Theater in January (more by Dominick Mastrangelo)

A Note from Colin and Jenny

About a month ago, we all at Decemberists HQ got hit with some pretty hard news. Jenny Conlee, our since-the-very-beginning accordion and keyboard player and all-around rad person was diagnosed with breast cancer. If you or anyone in your world has been handed a similar diagnosis, you know what a bolt-out-of-the-blue this news can be.

The good news is that Jenny caught it early. And while the prognosis is very, very good for a full recovery, tackling the disease will mean some intensive treatment for our Jenny as well as a lot of important recovery time.

So I'm writing this to say that, weighing our options, and with Jenny's fervent blessings, we've decided to go forward with our scheduled tour dates this spring and summer.

What we know now: Jenny will very likely miss all nine of our concerts in May and June. We're all hoping that her recovery will be such that she'll be able to get back on board as soon as possible.

And now, a note from Jenny:

Hello to Everyone,

I am very sorry to say that I will be missing a few shows coming up as I go through treatment for breast cancer. It has been great to be on tour these past few weeks. The band and crew are like family to me and have been incredibly supportive and understanding. To be making music with everyone and seeing the fans has helped me to feel more positive and keep my mind off of my diagnosis. But, alas, as the tour winds down, it is time for me to get back to reality. I will try to get into surgery as soon as I can after we return from this leg of the tour so I can begin my recovery. There are still a few unknowns out there concerning my cancer, but I am thinking positive and hope to be back on the road soon. Thanks for all of your support! See you soon!

Lots of love,
Jenny

Thanks for everyone's understanding during this crazy time.

Yours,
Colin Meloy
The Decemberists

Continue reading "Decemberists member Jenny Conlee diagnosed w/ breast cancer (but things are looking good, tour goes on)"

Beastie Boys member Mike D says the veteran rap trio is still on track for a 2011 comeback that includes the release of new album "Hot Sauce Committee Part 2" this spring, after Adam Yauch's cancer battle rendered the group inactive for much of 2010.

In a new interview with BBC Radio 1, Mike D confirms that the Beasties' release schedule for its two "Hot Sauce Committee" albums has not changed from what was announced back in October 2010. "It's still delayed - the first one," he says. "The second one is coming out as originally scheduled."

The rapper adds that while the group is "really happy" about Yauch's improved health, touring plans for 2011 are still unclear. "We're still going to have to see how he's [Yauch] doing," says Mike D.

Although the BBC Radio 1 interview led to widespread reports that Mike D said Yauch was cancer-free, a spokesperson for the group clarifies to Billboard.com, "Mike did not say that." -[Billboard]

"Soul singer Aretha Franklin, who underwent surgery for an unspecified illness Thursday after canceling concert dates through May, has cancer, a Detroit TV station reports.

WJBK Fox 2 in Detroit cites a family member in confirming a National Enquirer print-edition report Wednesday that specifically mentioned pancreatic cancer, the disease that claimed Patrick Swayze and Michael Landon. Franklin's rep had no comment for the Detroit News, which cited a source "familiar with the situation" in its cancer report." [LA Times]

by BBG

Adam "Nergal" Darski, the 33-year-old guitarist/vocalist from Poland's greatest extreme-metal export, BEHEMOTH, has been diagnosed with a life-threatening form of leukemia, a cancer of blood-forming tissues of the bone marrow. The disease, for which Adam is currently receiving treatment at the hematology division of the Gdansk Medical University Hospital, has advanced to the point where he is in urgent need of a bone-marrow transplant. (A bone-marrow transplant is when special cells [called stem cells] that are normally found in the bone marrow are taken out, filtered, and given back either to the same person or to another person.) In light of this, Darski wants to remind everyone about the need to be on the marrow registry. The more people get tested and donate, the more of a chance for life there is for him and others in the same situation. -[Blabbermouth]

Behemoth cancelled all previous dates of a tour with Watain, Withered, and Black Anvil. Now Watain have rescheduled, but this time with Black Anvil and Goatwhore. The tour (sans Goatwhore) will play Santos on 12/2. Tickets are on sale. While Goatwhore isn't on the NYC date, they WILL play NYC on September 30th at Europa supporting The Black Dahlia Murder with Arkaik . Tickets are on sale.

Our wishes are with Nergal. All dates and some videos below...

Continue reading "Nergal needs bone marrow, Watain reveal rescheduled dates, touring w/ Goatwhore who are touring w/ Black Dahlia Murder"

Brian O'Connor @ Webster Hall (more by Chris La Putt)

Eagles of Death Metal bassist Brian O'Connor has been diagnosed with cancer, and is undergoing treatment in Los Angeles. He will undergo surgery today and will begin chemotherapy in three weeks.

When Brian alerted members of his vast family of bands of his diagnosis, a human chain of support formed immediately. Members of Eagles of Death Metal, Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures and Rage Against The Machine, all touring in various locations around the globe, mobilized to take the load off Brian, so he could focus on preparing his mind and body for what lay ahead.

Brian has no health insurance, so the first order of business was to organize a London show and an LA show to raise money for his medical expenses.

Them Crooked Vultures announced the London show today; they have added a July 5 Brixton Academy date to their European festival run. Details for the Los Angeles show are being finalized now and will be announced soon.

Eagles of Death Metal have decided to honor all tour dates in their schedule. Dean Fertita from Dead Weather and QOTSA will fill in for Brian on EODM's dates this week in Toronto, Santa Cruz and San Francisco. A friend will stand in for Brian on EODM tour dates until he returns.

If you'd like to contribute to Brian's medical care fund please visit here for information.

The EODM Toronto show they're referencing is the NXNE kick-off party happpening in Toronto tonight (6/16). If I don't miss my plane, I might be there. All dates and a statement from Brian is below...

Continue reading "Eagles of Death Metal's Brian O'Connor fighting cancer (dates not cancelled), Them Crooked Vultures announce benefits"

David Rogers-Berry (O'Death) @ Brooklyn Bowl (more by Chris La Putt)

Greetings Friends,
So, were trying to raise some money cause being sick is expensive!
We're asking everyone in our family and all our friends to post this on their social networks, websites, blogs, mailing lists - whatever!

http://www.odeath.net/beta/journal/

We've come a long way to getting back to work (killing cancer, hell yeah), but we have a long way to go. Any help or attention you can throw our way is GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks so much for supporting us, and thanks for being our friends!

Sincerely,
David
o'death

The official Ronnie James Dio Twitter posted this message last night: "Don't believe the rumors, Ronnie is still hanging in there!!!" Hugs, Wendy Dio". The message was posted in reaction to rumors that Ronnie lost his battle with stomach cancer.

Update: RIP Dio

When inevitably I read today in the papers that my mother lost her battle with cancer last night, I am filled with an immense desire to add that this battle, though lost, was tremendously fruitful during these last three and a half years of her life. She witnessed her daughter's marriage, the creation of my first opera, the birth of her first grandchild Arcangelo, and gave the greatest performance of her life to a packed crowd at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Not to mention traveling to some of the world's most incredible places with both my sister, her husband Brad, my boyfriend Jorn and myself. Yes, it was all too brief, but as I was saying to her sister Anna last night while sitting by her body after the struggle had ceased, there is never enough time and she, my amazing mother with whom everyone fell in love, went out there and bloody did it. I will miss you mother, my sweet and valiant explorer, lebwohl and adio. X

---

In 2008, Kate established the Kate McGarrigle Fund in association with McGill University Health Centre, the Jewish General Hospital through the MUHC Foundation, the Cedars Cancer Institute, and Cancer Research UK in order to raise money and awareness for the fight against this rare type of cancer. If you would like to make a donation in honour of Kate, please follow this link below and donate online or call the MUHC Foundation directly at +1-514-931-5656.

Dio @ the Theater @ MSG in August (more by Tim Griffin)

Wendy Dio, the wife and manager of legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW), has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans.

"Long live rock and roll, long live Ronnie James Dio.

"Thanks to all the friends and fans from all over the world that have sent well wishes. This has really helped to keep his spirit up."

Continue reading "Ronnie James Dio has stomach cancer "

...with Liam McEneaney, John Oliver, Caroline Rhea, Kristen Schaal & more TBA @ Comix in NYC on December 8th.

"GET WELL MCA" (more by Tim Griffin)

hey all,

hope you are doing well.

so i'm about a week and a half out of surgery now and rapidly recovering from it. i haven't taken any of the pain meds, which supposedly speeds along the healing process, or should i say, taking them slows it down. anyway, i spent 1 night at the hospital after the surgery. the hospital was too crazy to get any rest so i headed home to relax, have home cooked food and hang out with the family.

i'm pretty well detoxed from the anesthesia that they pumped me up with to keep me under for all that time. that took several days to get out of my system. my neck and jaw are still pretty stiff from the surgery, but it gets better everyday. had the stitches out this past monday... so things are moving along.

but no sooner am i on the mend from this first torture than are they lining up the next one. the next line of treatment will be radiation. that involves blasting you with some kind of beam for a few minutes a day, 5 days a week, for about 7 weeks. that will start in a few weeks...

saw the jay-z cover of no sleep, and the coldplay one of fight for your right from APW on youtube. good shit. and i heard karen o a "get well MCA" armband, and that q-tip gave a shout out too..... very kind of them.

just wanted to thank them and everyone else who sent positive thoughts my way. i do think that all of the well wishes have contributed to the fact that my treatment and recovery are going well.

much love back at all of you!

adam

Continue reading "a letter from MCA (had surgery, about to start radiation)"

BEASTIE BOYS TOUR DATES CANCELED, ALBUM RELEASE POSTPONED
ADAM YAUCH DIAGNOSED WITH PAROTID GLAND TUMOR

Adam "MCA" Yauch of Beastie Boys was diagnosed last week as having a cancerous tumor in his left parotid (salivary) gland. Luckily it was caught early and is localized in one area, and as such is considered very treatable. It will however require surgery and several weeks of additional treatment. Fortunately the cancer is not in a location that will affect Yauch's vocal chords.

Beastie Boys have canceled all upcoming concert appearances to allow time for Yauch's surgery and recovery. The release of the band's forthcoming album Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 will also be pushed back.

Paraphrasing from a video statement on Beastieboys.com [below], Yauch said, "I just need to take a little time to get this in check, and then we'll release the record and play some shows. It's a pain in the neck (sorry had to say it) because i was really looking forward to playing these shows, but the doctors have made it clear that this is not the kind of thing that can be put aside to deal with later."

Beastie Boys were scheduled to play many festivals this summer including All Points West on Friday, July 31st.

The video message is below...

Continue reading "Adam Yauch has cancer, Beastie Boys cancel all dates"

"Depeche Mode are pleased to announce they will restart their interrupted Tour Of The Universe in Leipzig, Germany on June 8th. On May 12th, lead singer Dave Gahan suffered a severe bout of gastroenteritis, leading to his hospitalization and the cancellation of the Athens concert. While in hospital, further medical tests revealed a low-grade malignant tumour in Dave's bladder, which has since been successfully removed. At doctors' orders Dave Gahan must take a break until June 8th, to ensure that he makes a full recovery. The Leipzig show on June 8th will be the first concert following Dave's recovery.

Dave Gahan sincerely thanks his fans for their support, understanding and patience. Depeche Mode deeply regret any problems or inconveniences the cancellations and postponements may have caused."

Continue reading "Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan recovering from cancer surgery"