Singer of legendary punk band announces cancer diagnosis, new tour cancelled

July 1, 2024

Lou Koller, lead singer of the legendary hardcore punk band Sick of It All, has been diagnosed with an esophageal tumor. The New York band will cancel their summer tour of Europe.

Koller shared the news in a video posted on social media on Friday.

“What’s up guys? It’s Lou. As you may know, we had to cancel our entire European tour this summer. There are some rumors as to why that is, and we’re here to clear that up. But we wanted to wait until we had all the information before making an announcement,” Keller says in the video.

“The reason for the cancellation is that a tumor was found in my esophagus that extends into my stomach and I have to undergo treatment throughout the summer – with the full support of the band, of course,” he continued.

“When they heard it, they said, ‘Forget the tour. Just get healthy.’ And we’re really not happy about it,” he said at the end of the video. “But like I said, they’re all supporting me staying home and us staying home. We’re really sorry. I feel sorry for the fans. Our whole crew was banking on us all still having a fun summer together, and all the promoters, but everyone who knows has been very supportive. And now everyone knows. So that’s the reason. No other reason you’ve heard is the truth. That’s the truth.”

His older brother Pete organized a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with medical expenses.

“Hi, I’m Pete, my big brother Lou. He’s been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. He has a cancerous tumor in his esophagus. We’ve cancelled touring for the rest of the year and will not tour until Lou is over this and recovered,” the page reads. “As you know, touring is the lifeblood for a band like Sick of It All.”

Sick of It All released its latest album, “Wake the Sleeping Dragon!” in November 2018 via Century Media and features Rise Against singer and guitarist Tim McIlrath and Hot Water Music frontman Chuck Ragan.