In a heartbreaking turn of events, Social Distortion have been forced to cancel their highly anticipated North American tour. The tour’s cancellation comes as frontman Mike Ness confronts stage-one tonsil cancer, prompting him to prioritize his health and undergo necessary treatment.
Ness recently underwent surgery to address the cancer and is currently in the recovery phase. In just a few weeks, he will commence radiation therapy, which is expected to be his final treatment. Both Ness and his doctors remain optimistic, anticipating a full recovery and the opportunity for him to begin the healing process soon.
Social Distortion are working on their new album, the first one since 2011’s ‘Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes,’ which is now also delayed. The postponed tour included several dates in Canada, including shows in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Guelph, Toronto, and Montreal.
About the news, the band released a statement that says: “We think that life is going to go according to our plan, but it has a way of saying “I don’t think so!”
In the midst of pre-production, I was diagnosed with stage one tonsil cancer. I was feeling well enough to continue with recording in the studio up until the very day before surgery. The band and I were so inspired and excited to lay down these tracks, which by the way sound f-ing AWESOME!
The recovery from surgery is a day-by-day process and in three weeks we start radiation and that should be the last therapy I need. The team of doctors are certain that once finished with this course, I will be able to start the healing and recovery process. We expect a full recovery enabling me to live a long and productive life.
It breaks my heart to postpone the Summer Tour, and this album release, but time is required to heal. I can’t thank our loyal fans enough who have been waiting so patiently for this. While it will take a little longer-I promise you that it will be delivered and it will exceed your expectations.
I want you all to know that this has opened my eyes to a whole new struggle. I know it’s one that many of you or your loved ones have personally endured, and my heart goes out to you-because I now know what it’s like from this heavy experience.
I’m surrounded by love and support from my friends and family ESPECIALLY my lovely wife and incredible boys (oh and don’t forget my 3 dogs and kitty) THANK YOU ALL in advance to our unbelievable fans for YOUR love and support right now. ♥️
We WILL get through this….”