90s Britrock legend reveals terminal diagnosis and will be “dead within 2 to 3 years” | Music | Entertainment
Guitarist and vocalist Ginger Wildheart (Image: Future Publishing via Getty Images)
The frontman of 90s Britrock band The Wildhearts has announced he has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer – but says he won’t be undergoing treatment and will instead head out on tour.
Ginger Wildheart, singer and guitarist of the band, told heartbroken fans the news in a post on social media as his record company also released a statement.
The Newcastle-born musician, who first hit the charts fame as guitarist with The Quireboys, says he will still be joining his band for their shows across the UK in April and May.
The 61-year-old has been diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma but has decided not to have treatment and wants to “die with dignity”.
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He told fans: “I won’t go through treatment. I’ve lived the life of ten men and will die with dignity. Still got 2-3 years to say goodbye to everyone. And I’ll be rocking until the very last moment
“No misery please. Positivity all the way.”
An official statement from the band read: “During The Wildhearts’ incredible More Satanic Rites UK tour in December 2025, frontman and founding member Ginger Wildheart was experiencing severe pains that some nights forced him to take some short breaks from stage.
“Determined not to upset the band’s loyal fans – new and old – Ginger took painkillers to ensure the rock’n’roll was delivered, without missing a riff. Away from the tour Ginger has sought medical tests and investigations to establish the cause of the ongoing issue.”
Ginger Wildheart. (Image: PA)
It continued: “The results have been confirmed and we are saddened to report that Ginger has been diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma MCL – a rare but aggressive strain of cancer.”
Ginger has insisted “the show will go on” and that “strength and positivity will prevail”.
The statement added: “While we process this news and await further medical advice, Ginger wants everyone to know that strength and positivity will prevail and the show will go on.
“Make sure you come and see The Wildhearts – sounding bigger and more refreshingly amazing than ever – at a venue near you soon.”
The dad of one is a huge fan of classic rock bands and has frequently expressed his love for the likes of Status Quo, claiming their 1974 album Blue For You as inspiration for his music career.
He has battled mental health issues and chronicled on social media his ongoing battle with depression.
Ginger Wildheart at Hard Rock Hell X in Hafan Y Mor, Pwllheli (Image: (C)SD Photography 2016 Simon Dun)
The Wildhearts were formed in 1989 and hit the UK charts with tracks such as I Wanna Go Where The People Go. Their most recent album -Satanic Rites of the Wildhearts – came in March 2025. The group have played at festivals such as Download, Reading, 2000 Trees, and Monsters of Rock during their career. They also supported the likes of The Darkness.
Their biggest selling hit I Wanna Go Where The People Go peaked at number 16 in the UK charts in 1995, also had chart success with Sick of Drugs, Anthem, Just in Lust and Caffeine Bomb whilst their most successful album was P.H.U.Q 1995 which reached number six in the UK Albums Chart.
They kick off their tour at Liverpool’s Hangar 34 on April 2 before heading to Portsmouth’s Guildhall for Takedown Festival on April 3. After this they play Trowbridge Townhall April 4 and London’s Signature Brew in Haggerston April 5.
In May they play Hull Social May 27, Aberdeen’s The Lemon tree May 28, Dundee Beat Generator Live May 29, Stirling Tolbooth May 30 and Edinburgh’s La Belle Angele May 31.
