Social Distortion’s Mike Ness reveals he has tonsil cancer

Mike Ness, singer and guitarist for legendary Southern California punk group Social Distortion, said Wednesday He has stage 1 tonsil cancer.

“We think life is going to go our way, but there’s a way of saying, ‘I don’t think so!'” Ness, 61, said wrote on Instagramannounces its diagnosis and treatment.

“I felt well enough to continue recording in the studio until the day before the surgery,” he continued. “Recovery from surgery is a daily process and in three weeks we will start radiation and that should be the last therapy I need.” The medical team are confident that I will be able to after completing this course to begin the healing and recovery process. We expect a full recovery which will allow me to live a long and productive life.”

In light of this news, Social Distortion announced they would postpone a planned summer tour and work on an upcoming album, the band’s eighth. “The band and I were so inspired and excited to record these tracks which by the way sound AWESOME!” Ness wrote. “It breaks my heart to postpone the summer tour and the release of this album, but it takes time to heal. I can’t thank our loyal fans enough who have been waiting so patiently for this. It may take a little longer, but I promise it will be delivered and it will exceed your expectations.”

Representatives for the band and their label, Epitaph, did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

Ness also noted in his post, “I want you all to know that this has opened my eyes to a whole new fight. I know it’s something that many of you or your loved ones have personally been through and I feel sorry for you – because I now know from this harrowing experience what it’s like.”

Social distortion is a staple of Orange County and Southern California rock, popular for singles like “Ball and Chain,” “Ring of Fire,” and “Story of My Life,” which combined high-octane punk with nods to classic country and rockabilly. Despite the band’s final album, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, being released in 2011, they’ve remained a constant force on the road; Last year, the band resumed a long-running series of shows at the House of Blues Anaheim.

After Ness announced his diagnosis, fellow punks from Bad Religion, Against Me! and other bands wished him well in his recovery.