Mastodon’s Longtime Manager Nick John Has Been Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer

Last week Mastodon canceled their upcoming tour with Dinosaur Jr. and Netherlands on account of “a critical situation of a member of the Mastodon family.” Although it hasn’t been confirmed, recent posts by Mastodon’s Brent Hinds and Brann Dailor would suggest the Masto-family member in question is their manager, Nick John, who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (typically known as an especially aggressive type of the disease).

Hinds offered the following via Instagram:

“The most kind and beautiful being is in need of very strong amazing vibes more than a ever ..! My friend and manager @nickjzoso who is mainly responsible for mastodons success has been stricken with pancreatic cancer and has been fighting so hard that he is withering away and taking a little bit of me with him.????”

And Dailor gave this tribute:

“Help send all the power and love of the universe to our dear friend and manager Nick John. I don’t know where Mastodon would be without him. He is absolutely integral to the success we have achieved as a band not to mention one of the best people you’d ever hope to meet. We all deeply love and care for him. Send your love his way. Thank you”

We never met Nick, although we did work together to book one of his bands on a MetalSucks SXSW showcase several years back (I believe it was High on Fire). He’s known as one of the best managers in the business, and for proof of that look no further than Mastodon’s success (plus: it always says something when a band sticks with their manager for a long time; so many bands jump around constantly). On behalf of everyone at MetalSucks, we wish Nick, his family and his friends all the best.

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