Exodus Drummer Successfully Undergoes Full Gastrectomy
As previously reported, yesterday, July 12, Exodus drummer Tom Hunting underwent a full gastrectomy — the complete surgical removal of his entire stomach — as part of ongoing treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer with which he was diagnosed this past spring.
Fans will be relieved to know that, according to a social media post by Exodus guitarist Gary Holt, the surgery was a success:
“GREAT NEWS!!
“So Tom came out of surgery about 45 minutes ago, he’s still heavily sedated but everything went according to plan. Gastrectomy complete, heavily sedated but all cancer and mesothelioma nodules removed. He’s a warrior.
“I’ll give updates later as I get them, been a stress filled day, thank you to everyone for all the positive vibes . Much metal love????????❤️”
In April, Exodus announced that they would delaying the release of their new album, Persona Non Grata, from June until November in order to allow for Hunting’s treatment. They’re currently set to begin a tour with Testament and Death Angel in October, which should provide ample time for Hunting to recover from the gastrectomy.
To help Hunting pay for his medical fees, Exodus are currently auctioning off a variety of gear and memorabilia, including:
- A five disc set containing copies of the albums Bonded by Blood, Pleasures of the Flesh, Fabulous Disaster, Good Friendly Violent Fun, and Another Lesson in Violence, signed by Exodus.
- A one-of-a-kind original artwork design made with Tom in mind by renowned artist Axel Hermann.
- Gary Holt signed and numbered figurine with Certificate of Authenticity.
- Gary Holt signature EMG pickups.
- An ESP guitar signed by Death Angel.
- A brand new Jackson Warlock guitar, featuring custom A Lesson in Violence graphics, signed by Exodus, Testament’s Chuck Billy, and Death Angel members Mark Osegueda and Will Carroll.
- Cymbals and drum heads signed by Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater), Gene Hoglan (Testament), Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, Overkill), John Tempesta (ex-Exodus, ex-Tesament, The Cult, etc.), and Stone Sour.
You can bid here.
Testament, Exodus, and Death Angel Tour Dates
09/09/2021 Blue Ridge Rock Festival – Danville, VA ** [tickets]
10/06/2021 Fremont Theater – San Luis Obispo, CA [tickets]
10/07/2021 Aftershock Festival – Sacramento, CA ^^ [tickets]
10/08/2021 House Of Blues – San Diego, CA * [tickets]
10/10/2021 House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA * [tickets]
10/11/2021 Rialto Theatre – Tucson, AZ [tickets]
10/12/2021 Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM * [tickets]
10/14/2021 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK * [tickets]
10/15/2021 Gas Monkey Bar & Grill – Dallas, TX [tickets]
10/16/2021 Emo’s – Austin, TX * [tickets]
10/17/2021 White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX [tickets]
10/18/2021 House Of Blues – New Orleans, LA [tickets]
10/20/2021 Masquerade – Atlanta, GA * [tickets]
10/21/2021 The Ritz – Raleigh, NC [tickets]
10/22/2021 TLA – Philadelphia, PA * [tickets]
10/23/2021 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ * [tickets]
10/24/2021 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD [tickets]
10/26/2021 The Paramount – Huntington, NY * [tickets]
10/27/2021 House Of Blues – Boston, MA * [tickets]
10/28/2021 Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY [tickets]
10/29/2021 Madison Theater – Cincinnati, OH [tickets]
10/30/2021 The Agora – Cleveland, OH [tickets]
11/01/2021 Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA [tickets]
11/02/2021 Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH [tickets]
11/04/2021 The Majestic – Detroit, MI [tickets]
11/05/2021 The Forge – Joliet, IL * [tickets]
11/07/2021 Skyway Theatre – Minneapolis, MN [tickets]
11/09/2021 Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO * [tickets]
11/10/2021 The Depot – Salt Lake City, UT * [tickets]
11/11/2021 House Of Blues – Las Vegas, NV ^ [tickets]
11/27/2021 The Fox – Oakland, CA [tickets]
^^ Festival
^ No Exodus
* Rescheduled Testament Dates
~ No Exodus or Death Angel
*Note* Tickets for the rescheduled Testament shows will be honored.
