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Tim Commerfordof Rage Against the Machine is living with prostate cancer.
During an interview withSpin’sDaniel Kohn that went live on Monday, the bass guitarist, 54, said, “I’ve been dealing with some pretty serious s—.”
He continued, “Right before I was about to go on tour with Rage, I had my prostate removed, andI have prostate cancer.”
“I’ve been someone that’s taken a lot of pride in being in shape and taking care of myself,” Commerford told the magazine. “But it’s something where either you’re either lucky or not.”
He confessed that he’s struggled to stay positive.
“Prostate cancer is a very, very, very tough one because it’s connected to your sexuality,” Commerford said in part. “It’s hard to disconnect from that and when you’re forced into that situation, it’s a brutal psychological journey. I’ve been trying to find support groups, and it’s hard to find people and hard to talk about it.”
He went on to say that he didn’t plan on revealing his diagnosis, but changed his mind.
Commerford, who found out he was sick when he tried to get life insurance but was refused coverage, said that he’s on the road to recovery.
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“I just got my six-month test, and it came back at zero. I was like, ‘F— yeah!’ That’s the best I can feel for the rest of my life. Every day I get closer to that test is like, ‘F— man, is this going to be the time when the number is going to go up and I’m going to the next thing, whatever that is?’ I already went through some pain and s—. And I’m continuing to go through like, some crazy s—.”
He went on to state that his bandmates were aware of his diagnosis as well, adding that he plans “to be the fittest motherf—er with cancer that’s 54 that you’ve ever f—ing seen in your life.”
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Commerford also revealed that he’s been getting life-changing tips fromLance Armstrong, who wasdiagnosed with testicular cancerin 1996.
“I’m friends with Lance Armstrong, and he gave me some great advice that probably is going to extend my life,” he said.
Rage Against the Machine was forced to cancel their tour in October after lead singer Zack de la Rochatore his Achilles tendonand required surgery.
source: people.com
