CB Foreman, a founding member of Madness, has confirmed he has cancer and will pull out of performing with the band this year.
While the ska band veteran hopes to be back on stage next year, he says it depends on how treatment goes over the next few months. In a post made to Madness’ Facebook page, the new wave veteran confirmed his diagnosis and shared that the band had been “very loving and supportive” of him. A show in France left Foreman with “severe pain” and prompted him to seek medical attention. An MRI scan just a few days later confirmed there was a tumour present on his spine. Foreman also confirmed he had a “rock and roll” spinal tap procedure, where a needle is inserted into the lower back between the two lumbar bones.
Foreman’s post to Facebook reads: “Earlier this year, I had severe pain in my upper back and shoulders. On June 28, we played a show in France and it had become unbearable. I had an MRI scan at the end of June and they found a tumour on my spine. On July 4, I went to the Royal Sussex and had all sorts of stuff done to me. I had radiotherapy, which blasted it and stopped the pain.
“I actually had a Spinal Tap too – rock ‘n’ roll! I wasn’t in good shape, to say the least. My kidneys were only at 14% function, which has greatly improved since then. What I’ve got is a form of cancer called myeloma. It’s treatable but not curable. When I get it into remission (I will!) I should be able to get back to normal life.
“Some people have had this for twenty years or more. I have a long way to go before I get back onstage, but I aim to be back next year. The band, my family, my road crew family and my management team have all been very loving and supportive. One of the worst side effects is that I can’t drink alcohol, but I’ve mastered a non alcoholic Margarita, and those zero alcohol beers ain’t too bad these days.
“It’s been really hard not being onstage with the band this year. They’ve worked really hard and the shows looked great. I don’t know how they did it without me, to be fair. I won’t be able to do Butlins or the tour this year, which is a great shame but ……”I’LL BE BACK!”
Fans have since left their well wishes with Foreman, with one writing: “Wishing you well Chrissy boy.” Another added: “The important thing is what you are doing keeping positive. I look forward to seeing you back next year.”
A third shared: “Good man Chris, I’ve a letter from you somewhere that you wrote to me around 1990 when I wrote to you wondering if the band would ever be back playing. I must have seen you about 30 times since starting with Madstock. The lads were awesome in Cork this year. Look forwarding to seeing you on stage soon.”
