Rage Against the Machine’s Tim Commerford has revealed a private battle.
The bassist said he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, BBC News reported.
He first made the revelation during an interview with SPIN magazine, telling the publication that he had his prostate removed two months before the band’s tour began.
The tour was the first time the band hit the road in over a decade and came with challenges after singer Zack de la Rocha tore his Achilles tendon during a show, SPIN reported.
The band canceled the tour in October, People magazine reported.
Commerford told the magazine that he was also dealing with his own health issues after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
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“I’ve been someone that’s taken a lot of pride in being in shape and taking care of myself,” he told SPIN. “But it’s something where either you’re either lucky or not.”
Few people knew about his diagnosis outside of family, the band and close friends.
Commerford told SPIN that he has had several surgeries to repair the toll he’s done to his body over the years from mountain biking and other sports. He has had metal plates put in his head and cadaver parts put in his body, but nothing could compare to the pain he has felt after having his prostate removed.
“I’ve never felt pain quite like that,” Commerford told SPIN. He said that it “brought me to my knees.”
Commerford said his most recent test for cancer came back clear.
