Sad news today, friends -- and news that hits close to home, as we've been following the rejuvenation of the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund on this blog and in print.
A statement today was issued from the headquarters of rural-Missouri-dwelling punk goddess Exene Cervenka of the legendary LA punk band X (and, more recently, the Original Sinners), announcing that the singer has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Here's the statement in full.
After some months of not feeling 100% healthy, I recently had some medical tests run and the prognosis is that I am suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. Apparently, it has been affecting me for quite some time.
Although this is obviously unfortunate news, I am choosing to see the positive in it. I, and X as a band, have supported the Sweet Relief charity since the mid-1990's; the irony of this is not lost on any of us. Sweet Relief was started as an aide to uninsured artists by musician Victoria Williams when she herself was diagnosed with MS in 1992.
While this diagnosis will most certainly mean some changes for me, personally, it will not affect my commitments to the current X U.S. tour, nor will it affect my solo album that is slated for release this fall on Bloodshot Records.
My focus will certainly be on maintaining my health--many people remain strong and continue to live their lives as productively as they had before an MS diagnosis and I plan to be one of those people.
Earlier this year, X donated proceeds from ticket sales to Sweet Relief. And this past April, quite a flurry of events took place locally in the name of Sweet Relief. Here are some links to our coverage.
Wayward Son, Sweet and Lowdown: "How a self-described crazy doctor from the Midwest helped Victoria Williams save her Sweet Relief Musicians Fund"
Blog, Concert Review: Victoria Williams' Sweet Relief benefit at Liberty Hall
Blog, Talkin' Relief : a round table with Williams, Dr. Mark Matthews, Billy Brimblecom and Abigail Henderson
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