Guitarist Billy Zoom has been with Los Angeles punk pioneers X since their formation way back in the '70s. Sadly, the 67-year-old six-stringer has now been diagnosed with cancer.
Zoom has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and has begun chemotherapy treatment at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. His X bandmates have started a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money for the treatment; in just one day, the campaign (which is titled "Help Billy Zoom Kick Cancer's Butt") has already earned almost $48,000 of its $50,000 goal (as of press time).
The band's statement on GoFundMe is as follows:
In the music community, we all take turns helping each other & have since the beginning. Punk rock and benefits always went hand in hand: 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 & friend I know. I would do anything to help him get better, help take care of his family, and lessen his woes. Billy has begun chemo treatment at Cedars Sinai for Bladder cancer. He has a long road ahead of him but we are confident he's beat cancer once and he'll do it again! Please keep Billy in your prayers and send some positive energy his way! Donating a few bucks will help take away some of his financial stress and worry. It's the punk rock thing to do.
As this statement points out, this isn't the first time that Zoom has battled cancer. In 2010, he beat pancreatic cancer and was given the all-clear. To donate towards his latest cancel battle, check out the fundraising campaign here.
Meanwhile, X are still playing shows and are touring the U.S. this summer. Billboard reports that Zoom will complete the band's current four-night stand in Santa Ana, CA; after that, however, the band will tour without Zoom while he undergoes treatment. See the band's live schedule here.
Zoom has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and has begun chemotherapy treatment at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. His X bandmates have started a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money for the treatment; in just one day, the campaign (which is titled "Help Billy Zoom Kick Cancer's Butt") has already earned almost $48,000 of its $50,000 goal (as of press time).
The band's statement on GoFundMe is as follows:
In the music community, we all take turns helping each other & have since the beginning. Punk rock and benefits always went hand in hand: 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 & friend I know. I would do anything to help him get better, help take care of his family, and lessen his woes. Billy has begun chemo treatment at Cedars Sinai for Bladder cancer. He has a long road ahead of him but we are confident he's beat cancer once and he'll do it again! Please keep Billy in your prayers and send some positive energy his way! Donating a few bucks will help take away some of his financial stress and worry. It's the punk rock thing to do.
As this statement points out, this isn't the first time that Zoom has battled cancer. In 2010, he beat pancreatic cancer and was given the all-clear. To donate towards his latest cancel battle, check out the fundraising campaign here.
Meanwhile, X are still playing shows and are touring the U.S. this summer. Billboard reports that Zoom will complete the band's current four-night stand in Santa Ana, CA; after that, however, the band will tour without Zoom while he undergoes treatment. See the band's live schedule here.