Social Distortion frontman Mike Ness has been diagnosed with stage one tonsil cancer and is recovering from surgery. As a result, the band announced the postponement of their summer tour and halted the recording of their eighth studio album.

On Wednesday, Ness released a statement explaining that “In the midst of pre-production, I was diagnosed with stage one tonsil cancer. I was feeling well enough to continue with recording in the studio up until the very day before surgery. The band and I were so inspired and excited to lay down these tracks, which by the way sound f-ing AWESOME!”

“The recovery from surgery is a day-by-day process and in three weeks we start radiation and that should be the last therapy I need,” Ness explained. “The team of doctors are certain that once finished with this course, I will be able to start the healing and recovery process. We expect a full recovery enabling me to live a long and productive life.”

Social Distortion’s summer tour was set to start on June 30, but will now be rescheduled for 2024. Previously purchased tickets will be honored on the new dates.