Chris Foreman, the 69-year-old guitarist who has been with Madness for 45 years, has revealed he is battling incurable cancer. The musician broke the news in an emotional post on the band’s official Facebook page, where he admitted to fans that doctors had found a tumour on his spine after he experienced “unbearable” pain in his back and shoulders earlier this summer.
He explained that an MRI scan revealed the tumour, and after undergoing radiotherapy at the Royal Sussex Hospital, his pain was eased. However, his kidneys were functioning at only “14 per cent” and he was diagnosed with myeloma, a cancer that is treatable but not curable. Chris admitted: “What I’ve got is a form of cancer called myeloma. It’s treatable but not curable. When I get it into remission (I will!), I should be able to get back to normal life.”
Despite the difficult news, Foreman is determined to return to the stage in 2026. He said: “Some people have had this for 20 years or more. I have a long way to go before I get back onstage but I aim to be back next year. It’s been really hard not being onstage with the band this year. I won’t be able to do Butlins or the tour this year, which is a shame, but… I’LL BE BACK!”
Fans have been quick to rally around him with messages of love and encouragement. One supporter wrote: “Dear Chris, take the time to get back in shape. You’ve been part of every moment of my life since 1979. Courage and get well soon!” Another added: “My husband also suffers from myeloma. Medical advances are making this illness less devastating all the time. Good luck on your journey.”
Madness, one of Britain’s most beloved ska bands, has sold over 28 million albums worldwide and racked up 15 UK Top 10 hits, becoming the country’s top-selling singles act of the 1980s. While Chris faces the fight of his life, fans are certain of one thing: the ska legend’s fighting spirit will bring him back to the stage.
