Sad day in rock and metal world 🙁
PRETTY MAIDS frontman Ronnie Atkins has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
Here’s the statement released by him:
“It’s scary how your world can be turned upside down in a couple of weeks.
“I went to my doctor for a routine check complaining about some back pains in mid-August. I then went through numerous scans, bronchoscopy, biopsies etc. and spent a lot of time waiting for answers in uncertainty. And so finally three weeks ago I found myself diagnosed with lung cancer.
“Now this has by all means been a shock to me, my family and those close to me since it came totally unexpected without any typical symptoms and everything just happened and developed so fast lately.
“I’m already in treatment and underwent surgery two weeks ago, then spend some 10 days in hospital with pneumonia as a consequence apparently linked to the surgery.
“According to the medical staff my prospects are good considering it’s lung cancer. However, I will have to undertake further treatment the next couple of months to be on the safe side. This means that I unfortunately will have to step back from most musical activities concerts etc. for an indefinite period of time.
“I’m going into this with a positive mindset and with the continuing love and support from my family and friends I’m determined to battle this disease the best I can -God willing!”
Pretty Maids have sold hundreds of thousands of records worldwide. Sadly the band could never make it big in the U.S. except for Japan where they were quite famous in the 90s. They have supported bands such as Black Sabbath, Whitesnake, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, and Saxon. In March 2014, Pretty Maids released their 13th studio album Louder Than Ever. The band hasn’t been quite active and now with Ron Atkins taking a long break, the future fo the band remains uncertain