In a new interview with Spin, Rage Against The Machine’s Tim Commerford has revealed that he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The bassist, who helped form Rage Against The Machine as they piloted to massive success in 1992, also has been a part of both Audioslave and Prophets Of Rage – as well as more personal projects in Wakrat and Future User.
As Billboard helpfully transcribed for us, the whole situation has been pretty emotional and trying for him, as one would expect.
“I’ve been dealing with some pretty serious s—,” the 54-year-old rocker told the publication. “Right before I was about to go on tour with Rage, I had my prostate removed, and I have prostate cancer. You can find yourself in a situation like I’m in where it’s like, f—, my whole life changed. With everything that happens to me now, I wonder, am I feeling this way because I have cancer? Am I losing my hair because I have cancer? Whatever it is, it makes me wonder if it’s happening because I have cancer,” he continued. “And prostate cancer is a very, very, very tough one because it’s connected to your sexuality. It’s hard to disconnect from that and when you’re forced into that situation, it’s a brutal psychological journey. […] It’s very hard for me to not break down and get emotional.”
Earlier this year, Commerford still managed to perform with Rage during their re-scheduled North American tour dates. In fact, he toured just a couple months after the surgery, which further proves he’s a warrior who can’t be stopped. While the band won’t be playing their 2023 North American headlining tour, the fact that Commerford was able to play at all is amazing. Commerford did also note, however, that his six-month test came back recently – and it’s at “zero“.
