Former Rigor Mortis and current Warbeast vocalist Bruce Corbitt has been forced to retire from performing after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
The legendary underground vocalist announced the news on Facebook earlier today after suffering health problems for the past several years.
"For those that couldn't watch video. I'll make this short for now and give more details later," he wrote on Facebook.
"I was just told an ago I more than likely have stage 3 Esophagus cancer. Still a chance for stage 2. I get into more details on what that means and our plan of attack soon. But after much discussion with the doctors and specialist. ..they've told me there's no chance within in any reasonable time that I'll ever be able to perform again.
"So it breaks my heart at this time that I'm forced to announce my retirement from singing. I'm sorry to all of my band mates for letting them down. I'm devastated with all of this hitting me so fast. I'm still in shock.
"Thanks for all of the great support all these years. You're the best fans and I love all of you! We at least have a great Warbeast album and music video coming soon."
According to CancerCenter.com, "a stage III esophageal cancer tumor has grown beyond the esophagus and may now extend into nearby tissues and organs. The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes."
Bruce is no stranger to death, however. He survived a stabbing in the 80's, several car crashes, melanoma and recovered from heart surgery in 2015.
He wrote on Facebook once that he originally became more health-conscious after the tragic passing of former bandmate Mike Scaccia (ex-Ministry), who died of a heart attack in 2012 while performing on stage with Rigor Mortis during Bruce's 50th birthday celebration.
Bruce began his series of hospital room updates last night after speaking with doctors. He has been hospitalized about a week ago after some sort of bleeding issue, which was ultimately caused by a tumor in his esophagus.
"Worst news possible. I have an esophageal tumor. In most cases, esophageal cancer is a treatable disease, but it is rarely curable.
"The overall 5-year survival rate in patients amenable to definitive treatment ranges from 5% to 30%. The occasional patient with very early disease has a better chance of survival.
"They're about to test if already cancerous. I'm going to be here for a long time. Devastated! I'm doomed and my time is short. Love y'all!"
Truly fucking awful news. It seems as if the members of Rigor Mortis can not get any luck. Bassist Casey Orr suffered a heart attack a few years ago, as well, and had to have open heart surgery after an artery known as the "widow maker" was more than 90-percent blocked.
Any time I have ever approached Bruce at a show or engaged him online, he has always been super cordial and his demeanor has always given off the impression that he is a hell of a guy. Again, this is awful news that I wouldn't wish on anyone.
On behalf of everyone at Metal Injection, he is in our thoughts and we are seriously hoping for the best.
[h/t MetalSucks]
