THE CHARLATANS keyboardist TONY ROGERS has been diagnosed with cancer.
Rogers, who joined the band following the death of original member Rob Collins in 1996, was diagnosed with a strain of cancer hours prior to the band’s UK live comeback at Wrexham Central Station (June 28), according to a posting on the official Charlatans website at www.thecharlatans.net.
The posting reads: “Hours prior to the Wrexham show, Tony was diagnosed with a strain of Cancer. He has since undergone an operation and has recently begun an initial series of radiology and chemotherapy treatment. During this period he has been at times quite poorly, very tired and has been forced to spend time in hospital or in recuperation following treatment. The initial signs to his prescribed treatment are proving positive. Tony is in a very, very positive frame of mind in respect of his condition, and has continued to work virtually unaffected.
“Our biggest problem is trying to slow him down. The concept of ‘taking it easy’ is not exactly in the Tony Rogers mindset!
“I do hope that this news, all be it somewhat distressing, is better coming from ourselves rather than by picking it up via a newspaper. We were all very conscious of the fact that given tomorrow is Saturday (August 11) then there was no real forum of explanation… we wouldn’t like to leave this whole issue too open ended throughout the weekend.”
A spokesperson for the band is currently unavailable to comment on Rogers’ condition.