Y&T’S PHIL KENNEMORE DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER
Well, this week is off to a not-great start.
First came the news that Behemoth’s Nergal is “seriously ill” and that, consequently, all Behemoth dates for the forseeable future have been cancelled; now Y&T bassis Phil Kennemore has announced that he’s been diagnosed with cancer. The silver lining, such as it were, is that while Kennemore doesn’t specify the exact type of cancer, he does say that his doctors believe the disease to be “treatable” and he should be back on his feet soon.
Here’s Keneemeore’s official statement:
“Up to now you haven’t heard much information (other than about my extreme back pain) because there really hasn’t been much until now. I hated leaving you all in the dark but I didn’t want to say anything until there was something conclusive to say. We do have a lot more information now. The number one thing you need to know is that I have cancer. It wasn’t absolutely formally diagnosed until yesterday.
“With the bad news I also got the good news that along with surgery and treatments, I will be back rockin’ and rollin’. I’ll be getting a hip replacement as well as back surgery, which means I’ll also be more agile. The doctor said that this is treatable and I’ll be walking out of this place and I’ll be able to go on the road and do everything I need to do to continue my rock ‘n’ roll life, in due time.
“I wanted to thank everyone for your well wishes. I’ve been sitting here in the hospital reading all of the things that you’ve all posted online, and I want you to know it means so very much to me to see how much I am loved, supported, and missed. I can really feel the love as I’m reading. I love reading your posts on the web site forum, and, in fact, I need to hear it. From here on out, whatever thoughts and feelings you have, please know that I wish that I could personally respond to each and every one of you, but I’m not able to right now.
“Brad – thank God for Brad [Lang]! I’m so grateful that he stepped in to help keep Y&T on tour, bringing the Facemelter album to the people while I was ordered to the hospital. Right now I think he’s the best guy on earth!
“I’ll be released from the hospital within three-to-four weeks, continuing treatment, and at some point, I’ll be returning to the road. Keep the love and good vibes flowing. Do me a favor and go out and see the band now–Y&T is kicking serious ass–and I’ll be back rocking with you all soon.”
We’re glad that Kennemore’s doctors are so confident they can beat this; we wish Kennemore a speedy recovery. We also wish that no one else will get sick this week. Oy.
-AR
