Jim Keays’ Cancer Fight

by lkatulka on August 8th, 2007

Image details: Launch of Songwriters Speak served by picapp.com

Aussie rock legend Jim Keays has revealed he’s battling myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer.

The former Master’s Apprentices frontman fell ill while holidaying in England last month. He was suffering from back pain, but the greatest problem was a build-up of toxins in his kidneys. When British doctors diagnosed cancer, there was no doubt in Jim’s mind that he needed to return home.

Despite his serious condition, Jim is staying positive.

“It’s treatable and it often goes into remission,” he told the Herald Sun. “I started chemotherapy last week and I am on dialysis, and I am confident both will work.”

He hopes to rejoin his current bandmates Russell Morris and Darryl Cotton on the road soon.

“We have had to drop a few gigs, and Russell and Darryl played Saturday night together, but I hope to be back in business and playing with the boys next month,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky. I’ve had good health all my life. Until this I had never been to hospital — and I plan to get out of this one quick smart.”

Jim’s wife Karin is also optimistic that her husband will make a full recovery.

“The doctors are quietly confident that Jim’s kidney function will improve. Jim has such strength of will that I have no doubt he’ll make it happen.”

Jim Keays burst onto the Australian music scene in 1966. His group, The Master’s Apprentices, stormed up the charts with hits like “Elevator Driver,” “Turn Up Your Radio,” and “Because I Love You.” In the last few years, Jim’s enjoyed success as part of the trio Cotton Keays and Morris. He recently completed a solo album called Resonator.