The Cure’s Roger O’Donnell Reveals He Was Diagnosed with Blood Cancer
"The mad axe murderer knocked on the door and we didn't answer," O'Donnell wrote.
Robert Smith, Roger O'Donnell, Porl Thompson, Boris Williams and Simon Gallop of The Cure arrive in America on the QE2 at Pier 90 in New York City on Aug. 20, 1989.
Roger O’Donnell, the longtime keyboardist for The Cure, has revealed that he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma in Sept. 2023.
The musician shared his experience on X, formerly known as Twitter, as part of Blood Cancer Awareness Month, urging followers to prioritize their health and get tested early.
“In September last year I was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of lymphoma. I had ignored the symptoms for a few months but finally went, and after surgery, the result of the biopsy was devastating,” O’Donnell wrote.
After nearly a year of treatment, including surgery, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy, he shared that his health has improved. “I’m fine, and the prognosis is amazing.”
“He added, “”The mad axe murderer knocked on the door and we didn’t answer.”
He added: “Cancer can be beaten but if you are diagnosed early enough you stand a way better chance, so all I have to say is go get tested, if you have the faintest thought you may have symptoms go and get checked out.
“Lastly if you know someone who is ill or suffering talk to them, every single word helps, believe me I know.”
O’Donnell emphasized the importance of early detection, advising, “Cancer CAN be beaten but if you are diagnosed early enough you stand a way better chance, so all I have to say is go GET TESTED, if you have the faintest thought you may have symptoms go and get checked out.”
The Cure recently wrapped up their Shows of a Lost World Tour in Sept. 2023, and fans won’t have to wait long for more from the band.
In October, they’ll release Novembre: Live in France 2022, a double A-side 12″ featuring live versions of new tracks “And Nothing Is Forever” and “I Can Never Say Goodbye.” The limited-edition vinyl, pressed on eco-friendly materials, will support Brian Eno’s Earth Percent climate charity, marking the band’s first official release of new music in 16 years.
The Cure’s influence on alternative rock is undeniable, with their 2019 album, 40 Live: Curaetion-25 + Anniversary, peaking at No. 30 on the Billboard 200.
Their earlier work, Disintegration, remains one of their most celebrated albums, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard 200 in 1989. Their 2004 self-titled album, The Cure, also climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard 200, while “Lovesong” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989, making it their highest-charting single in the U.S. The band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
The Weeknd at Rogers Centre in Toronto on August 8, 2025.Hyghly Alleyne, Courtesy XO Records