In rather sad news, Australian guitarist Bob Spencer, best known for his tenures in legendary homegrown bands Skyhooks and The Angels, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with cancer.
The Gold & Platinum recording 56-year old took to his Facebook page to alert friends and family that he had been diagnosed with a cancerous tumour on his left kidney, though Spencer delivered the less-than-pleasant news with grace an humour, positively asserting that he is “going to be fine,” as TheMusic points out.
Spencer is best known for replacing Red Symons in the Skyhooks lineup in 1977, featuring on the band’s final two albums – 1978’s Guilty Until Proven Insane and Hot For The Orient – before the band split in 1980. Six years later the guitarist joined The Angels, a permanent fixture of the band through to the early 90s, featuring on the band’s Top 10 1986 album Howling and the chart-topping 1990 album Beyond Salvation.
Spencer now runs professional band coaching business Greater Groove Music, touted as the “Only band coaching program in Australia directed by an ARIA Hall of Fame(r),” and the songwriter and engineer made reference to his business as he openly discussed his condition on his online statement, which reads:
Greetings Groovers.
First, I’m going to be fine.Second, I have been diagnosed with a tumour (that’s the “C” one) on my left kidney. We found out about this by accident only because I need my gallbladder removed, this concern now being completely overshadowed by the finding of a kidney growth. The tumor (which I’ve named “Eric the Freeloader”) is of a size & position to preclude it being removed from my kidney, so the kidney will need to be removed. No other growths have been found, one can function on only one kidney, so this is pretty good, all things considered. It’s been a difficult, upsetting & sleep deprived week, however, we are extremely happy & relieved about this outcome. I have had a glimpse of what others have gone through, continue to go through, & it’s no fun.
As some of you are aware, I am an atheist, so rather than spend time on prayers or somesuch, if you feel so inclined, please use your time to go & help a friend or spend time with your kids instead. Groovy?
Lastly, see “first” again.
Over! Bob.
Spencer had also been playing in the Doc Neeson-fronted 100% version of The Angels (along with Graham ‘Buzz’ Bidstrup, James Morley, and Jim Hilbun), whose nation-wide Australian Tour scheduled earlier this year was cancelled after Neeson was hospitalised and diagnosed with a brain tumour.
A Rock For Doc tribute concert to raise money for the ailing frontman was held earlier in the year, featuring Jimmy Barnes, Rose Tattoo, and a rare live performance from Peter Garrett with his Midnight Oil bandmates. Ahead of another charity benefit, guitarist James Morley updated Tone Deaf on the singer’s status; “Doc is doing well and responding to treatment a little better than we had hoped.”
Tone Deaf wishes both Doc Neeson and Bob Spencer a healthy recovery and sends its thoughts to family and friends at this time.
