W.A.S.P.’s Blackie Lawless wishes Chris Holmes ‘the very best’ in his battle with cancer

W.A.S.P. leader Blackie Lawless says that he wishes his former bandmate Chris Holmes “the very best” in his battle with cancer.

It was announced earlier on the 5th of February that Holmes has been diagnosed with cancer in his throat and neck. As a result, the 63-year-old ex-W.A.S.P. guitarist canceled his appearance aboard this year’s Monsters Of Rock cruise. However, Holmes still expects to be able to complete his previously announced Canadian tour, which is scheduled to launch in Quebec City on May 5 and wrap up in Vancouver on May 28.

A few hours after Chris’s diagnosis was made public, Lawless released the following statement via W.A.S.P.’s social media:

The entire W.A.S.P. family are all optimistic of a positive outcome concerning the diagnosis for Chris. I certainly wish him the very best.

Holmes joined W.A.S.P. in 1982 and remained with the group until 1990. In 1996, the guitarist returned to W.A.S.P. and stayed with the band until 2001. Chris has not played with W.A.S.P. since.

The news of Chris’s battle with cancer was shared earlier today by his wife and manager, Cathy-Sarah Holmes. She wrote on his Instagram account:

This post is not easy to write because of the personal nature of it and we would rather you hear it directly from us before stories and rumours start to circulate and by respect for all of you who love and support Chris, we feel that this is exactly what we need at this time. Recently Chris was diagnosed with a cancer in throat and neck but the medical team have assured us there has been no metastasis and this is a good news . He will have to start as soon as possible a treatment of 7 weeks.

I know how important the Monsters of Rock Cruise is for Chris and the band but the health of Chris is what we have to focus on right now for the next 7 weeks and we will reschedule the MORC for a future date. Thank You very much Larry Morand for your kindness & understanding in this matter, you are much appreciated and the world need more people as you . Thank you also to all the team who make a wonderful work following every band in each step.

The bandcamp will still continue to run during this time but if there might be some delays please forgive me.

The best way to keep Chris positive is to continue to focus on the upcoming Canadian tour, shows we have in September and the UK tour in October. Don’t forget Chris is strong and he is a fighter and he will come back stronger than before.

Many of you in your own way shows us everyday how much you care,we are lucky to have you as friends, your strength keeps our spirits high to continue to fight another day.

Please we just ask for some privacy while we deal with this at this moment and Chris will come back to you stronger and ready to burn the stage with Stephen, Ollie, Lex and Florian.

Keep rocking, Chris and Catherine Sarah Holmes”.