Beastie Boys rapper has cancer

Adam Yauch, aka MCA, announces details of his illness in the run up to release of the band's eighth studio album



Adam Yauch, better known as MCA from the Beastie Boys, has revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer. Speaking alongside fellow band member Ad-Rock via a video broadcast on the Beastie Boys website earlier today, Yauch explained he has "a form of cancer in the gland that's over here (points to neck), the Parotid gland. It's also in a lymph node right in that area." The 44-year-old then went on to say: "I'm actually going to have to have surgery, probably next week, and after that some radiation."

His treatment will result in the cancellation of "a bunch of shows" and the postponement of the Beastie Boys' forthcoming album, Hot Sauce Committee, which was scheduled for release in September of this year.

The Beastie Boys rose to fame in the mid-80s with their debut album Licensed to Ill and established a reputation for their punkish, frat boy style. The New York based trio have enjoyed continued critical and commercial success, notably with their 1993 album Ill Communication, having evolved into one of the most innovative and creative rap groups still performing.

Yauch ended the message on an upbeat note, explaining that the cancer was treatable. "The good news is that it's only localised in this one area, and it's not in a place that effects my voice... so it's a pain in the ass and a setback, but it's treatable in most cases." The rapper also apologised to fans who were looking forward to their forthcoming live dates.

An update on Yauch's condition and the band's cancelled shows is expected in the near future.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/jul/20/urban