X Guitarist Billy Zoom Diagnosed With Bladder Cancer, GoFundMe Site Set Up

Billy Zoom & Exene

X guitarist and punkabilly icon BILLY ZOOM has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladdar cancer, with immediate treatment necessary to fight the disease. The 67-year-old musician/producer/electronics wiz will begin chemo treatment next week. 

In early 2010, ZOOM revealed that he had been successfully treated for prostate cancer.  After undergoing a radical prostatectomy, the cancer was caught in its early stages and he was given the "all clear" that it was in remission.

ZOOM remains committed to this weekend’s four-album play shows at SANTA ANA’s THE OBSERVATORY, where BILLY will join his longtime bandmates on-stage to play songs from his iconic band's first four albums. Joining X for these shows will be THE BLASTERS and MIKE WATT.

X will continue with their previously announced JULY and AUGUST mid-west and east coast tour dates as planned in support of BILLY and his family. A replacement for ZOOM will be announced shortly.

X and manager MIKE ROUSE have begun a fund to help ZOOM with his upcoming medical costs at www.gofundme.com/yx66a4. 

X released the following statement: “In the music community, we all take turns helping each other. Punk rock and benefits: you name the cause, and the bands and fans will be there.  
Now it's our turn to help BILLY ZOOM, the wittiest, smartest, nicest, best guitar player and friend we know. We would do anything to help him get better, help take care of his family, and lessen his woes. Please keep BILLY in your prayers and send some positive energy his way!  Donating a few bucks will take away some of his financial stress and worry. And it's the punk rock thing to do.”

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