Pogues Member Diagnosed With Cancer

The Pogues guitarist Philip Chevron has been diagnosed with throat cancer.

According to a message on the band’s website, Chevron's cancer is “locally advanced” and he will therefore “not be present for the band’s shows in summer and fall, 2007.”

It will be the first time since the band reunited in 2001 that The Pogues will have to perform without one of the original line-up.

Chevron famously wrote the bands classic song, ‘Thousands Are Sailing.’

The full message from the band was as follows:

“At the beginning of June Philip was unexpectedly diagnosed with a strand of “locally advanced” throat cancer which requires immediate medical attention. This decision to suspend his live work has the complete support of the other Pogues who wish him a good and complete recovery. Though it is not yet known when Chevron will return to live work, it is hoped that he will again be available towards the end of this year.

The volunteers and community of this web site wish Philip a speedy and complete recovery. He is more than a member of the band we celebrate; he is a dear friend. Our thoughts and wishes are with him through this ordeal.”