Status Quo's Rick Parfitt In Cancer Fear

Status Quo’s Rick Parfitt is set to undergo tests for suspected throat cancer.

The rocker had been struggling with his voice throughout the band’s UK tour and decided to get it checked out.

Doctors discovered a growth and sent Parfitt for urgent treatment from specialists. The band duly decided to cancel all remaining dates on their tour.

The band’s manager Simon Porter said through an official statement on the band’s website: “This morning Rick saw Stephen Toynton, an ear, noise and throat surgeon at the Nuffield Hospital in Plymouth.

”He has expressed concern with a growth in Rick's larynx and has recommended it requires urgent investigation. Consequently, all nine shows on the tour have been cancelled.

“While the band regret having to disappoint their fans, they are thankful for their understanding at this difficult time and look forward to seeing them soon.”

Parfitt is known to be a heavy smoker and in 1994 underwent a quadruple heart bypass operation.