Ginger Wildheart has been diagnosed with cancer.
The news was shared with fans in a statement posted on the band's social media accounts today, March 16. It reads:
"During The Wildhearts’ incredible More Satanic Rites UK tour in December 2025, frontman and founding member Ginger Wildheart was experiencing severe pains that some nights forced him to take some short breaks from stage. Determined not to upset the band’s loyal fans – new and old – Ginger took painkillers to ensure the rock’n’roll was delivered, without missing a riff.
“Away from the tour Ginger has sought medical tests and investigations to establish the cause of the ongoing issue. The results have been confirmed and we are saddened to report that Ginger has been diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) – a rare but aggressive strain of cancer.”
The statement goes on to insist that the 61-year-old South Shields musician is "fine fettle", is currently writing new material for the follow up to last year's Satanic Rites of the Wildhearts album and future solo projects, and will be honouring all gig commitments currently in place for the band.
"While we process this news and await further medical advice, Ginger wants everyone to know that strength and positivity will prevail and the show will go on," the statement adds. "Make sure you come and see The Wildhearts – sounding bigger and more refreshingly amazing than ever – at a venue near you soon."
The Wildhearts UK tour dates
Apr 02: Liverpool Hangar 34
Apr 03: Portsmouth Takedown Festival
Apr 04: Trowbridge Town Hall
Apr 05:London Signature Brew Haggerston
May 27: Hull Social
May 28: Aberdeen The Lemon Tree
May 29: Dundee Beat Generator Live
May 30: Stirling Tolbooth
May 31: Edinburgh La Belle Angele
Last year, speaking with Classic Rock, Ginger spoke about changes in his life that he has made in order to help prioritise his mental health.
"I needed to learn how to live with mental health and how to live with depression," he explained. "I’d been chewed up, spat out, chucked around the system for years. Medication is not going to fix anything. I need to go away and figure out what depression is, trying to understand it, instead of just coping and living with it. Because the system offers you drugs that numb you and gives the impression that life’s got better, but it hasn’t... I looked in the mirror, I made an inventory of all the things that I hated about my life and then started fixing them."
"Music has always been my best friend, my therapist, my confidante and my means of communication, my connection with people," he added. “I’ve never made a secret about The Wildhearts being all about the community. We started with a handful of people, making sure everyone’s mental health was alright, everyone’s feeling strong, everyone feeling supported, and it’s got bigger and bigger. The whole thing not only gives people a bit of hope, it gives me hope.
"There’s times when I’ve needed the community, and therapists haven’t done it, psychiatrists haven’t done it, medication hasn’t done it. And Wildhearts fans have come to my aid. I hear from a lot of people that the music’s helped them. And it’s a two-way street. They absolutely help me. Music is the connection, and it’s magical and it’s real."
