Pogues guitarist Philip Chevron has revealed the cancer he was first diagnosed with in 2007 has returned, and is now ‘inoperable.
A statement on the band’s official website explains that doctors have discovered a new tumour which, due to its position, is not able to be treated. Chevron was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in the April of 2007, but was given the all clear just over a year ago.
“Chevron, who was last year part of the releases “The Pogues In Paris” on Polydor and the Radiators’ “Sound City Beat” on Chiswick, is currently taking a break from both bands,” the statement reads.
“The Pogues are on a prolonged time out, emerging only in support of matters relating to their 30th anniversary this year, while the Radiators from Space have formed a splinter group, The Trouble Pilgrims, in which Chevron plays no part. In recent times, Chevron has accepted several theatre music commissions, including the Old Vic Theatre in London and Galway’s Druid Theatre.”
“Philip thanks his friends, colleagues, family and management team for their enduring support and hopes to make some notable musical contributions before, as he puts it, the cancer becomes “lethal”.”
Philip Chevron joined The Pogues in time for their brilliantly raucous second album ‘Rum, Sodomy and The Lash‘, and went on to contribute a number of songs to the Pogues canon, including ‘Thousands Are Sailing’ which became a firm live favourite.