Chris Holmes Fights Back: W.A.S.P. Guitarist Launches GoFundMe Amid Cancer Battle
In a raw and candid interview with Canada’s The Metal Voice, former W.A.S.P. guitar hero Chris Holmes has laid bare his battle against prostate cancer, revealing the launch of a GoFundMe campaign to finance his latest round of treatment. At 68, the veteran guitarist, who has called Cannes home since 2014, is no stranger to health struggles, having previously fought through throat and neck cancer just four years prior.
Holmes recounted the shocking moment he learned of his prostate cancer diagnosis, a revelation that came after months of dismissing alarming symptoms as mere signs of aging. In classic rock 'n' roll fashion, he initially shrugged off frequent nighttime bathroom trips, only to be blindsided when a routine check revealed the truth. “Damn!” was his reaction when the doctor revealed the diagnosis, a hereditary plight he knew all too well, yet one that is reportedly curable. “It’s just going through what I gotta go through,” he stated, embodying the fighter spirit that metalheads cherish.
Initially hesitant to share his plight, Holmes explained that he and his bandmates aimed to keep the focus on their music and future endeavors, like the anticipated T3RMINAL project. But as the financial burden of treatment loomed large, he found himself at a crossroads. “There’s no way we’re gonna get close,” he lamented, realizing the dire need for public support. With the insurance only covering emergency treatment, he made the tough decision to open up and reach out for help.
His wife, Catherine, echoed those sentiments in a heartfelt GoFundMe post, detailing the bureaucratic nightmare that left Chris under 'emergency only' coverage due to an administrative error. “His treatment is essential and cannot be interrupted,” she emphasized, painting a clear picture of the uphill battle they face.
As he undergoes radiation therapy, Holmes is no stranger to the machine that delivers his treatment, having previously endured a grueling seven-week regimen for his throat cancer. The process is physically taxing, and the emotional toll is palpable, yet Chris remains resolute, determined to fight through this latest challenge. “I’m getting through it,” he affirmed, fueled by the outpouring of support from fans and friends alike. The metal community has rallied around him, proving once again that in the face of adversity, we stand together.