Madness star Chris Foreman has revealed he has been diagnosed with incurable myeloma, a form of blood cancer.
The musician, 69, announced the news on the band’s Facebook page on Friday in an emotional statement.
Chris confirmed the incurable cancer is treatable and remains hopeful he will get back to a ‘normal life’ once he is in remission.
Myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. As per the NHS, it cannot usually be cured, but it can be managed with treatment.
He revealed doctors found a tumour on his spine after he went for an MRI in June when he started getting ‘unbearable’ pain during a show in France.
He wrote: ‘Dear all Earlier this year I had severe pain in my upper back and shoulders. On the 28th of June we played a show in France and it had become unbearable.
Madness star Chris Foreman, 69, has revealed he has been diagnosed with incurable myeloma, a form of blood cancer (pictured in 2021)
Chris – pictured with his bandmates Mike Barson, Mark Bedford, Suggs and Dan Woodgate in 2017 – penned an emotional tribute to his group
‘I had an MRI scan at the end of June and they found a tumour on my spine. On the 4th of July I went to the Royal Sussex and had all sorts of stuff done to me. I had radiotherapy which blasted it and stopped the pain.
‘I actually had a Spinal Tap too – rock n roll! I wasn’t in good shape, to say the least. My kidneys were only at 14% function, which has greatly improved since then.
‘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.
‘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.
‘The band, my family, my road crew family and my management team have all been very loving and supportive.
‘One of the worst side effects is that I can’t drink alcohol but I’ve mastered a non alcoholic Margarita and those Zero alcohol beers ain’t too bad these days.
It’s been really hard not being onstage with the band this year. They’ve worked really hard and the shows looked great.
‘I don’t know how they did it without me, to be fair. I won’t be able to do Butlins or the tour this year, which is a great shame but ……”I’LL BE BACK!” CB Foreman – Peacehaven, 29th August 2025’
Chris confirmed the incurable cancer is treatable and remains hopeful he will get back to a ‘normal life’ once he is in remission
Formed in 1976 as the North London Invaders, they were joined by Suggs after just one year. Over the years there have been 15 members of Madness (Chris, Mike Barson, Cathal Smyth, Mark Bedford, Suggs and Daniel ‘Woody’ Woodgate pictured L-Rin 1999)
Chris is one of the original members of the British group, with legendary hits including Baggy Trousers and One Step Beyond.
Formed in 1976 as the North London Invaders, they were joined by Suggs after just one year. Over the years there have been 15 members of Madness.
Following his news, fans rushed to the comments to support Chris and wrote: ‘Dear Chris, take the time to get back in shape. I’ve been a fan of Madness and you since 1979.
‘You’ve been a part of every moment of my life, the good and the bad, and thanks to you, I play ska in a band called the SKA FLAKES. In short, all my thoughts go out to you, Chris. Courage and get well soon! Kind regards.’
Another added: ‘My husband is an MM sufferer also. Welcome to the worst club on the planet! Managing your symptoms is key to feeling well. Good luck on your journey. Medical advances are making this illness less devastating all the time.
‘There’s also brilliant support networks available on FB and other platforms for you and your loved ones. Xxxx’
‘Wishing you well Chrissy Boy. A drummer friend of mine was also diagnosed with myeloma and responded really well to its treatment. I couldn’t believe how soon he was back playing so I am sure you will be back when you are feeling bitter, but in the meantime, just concentrate on yourself x’, another said.
Amid the musician’s diagnosis, the group next heads on tour in December 13 in Nottingham.
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