Exodus Drummer Set to Undergo Cancer Surgery; Band Launches Auction for Medical Fees
Exodus drummer Tom Hunting has revealed that he will undergo a full gastrectomy — the complete surgical removal of his entire stomach — next Monday, July 12. The surgery is part of Hunting’s ongoing treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer with which he was diagnosed this past spring.
A 2017 Washington Post profile of a man who underwent the same surgery for similar reasons explains how a person is able to live without a stomach:
“[T]he body is able to bypass the stomach’s main function of storing and breaking down food to gradually pass to the intestines. Absent a stomach, food consumed in small quantities can move directly from the esophagus to the small intestine.”
Despite this news, Hunting’s statement announcing the upcoming procedure finds the drummer in high spirits:
“I wanted to check in and thank everyone SOOOOOO much for the love and support! I see all the awesome events and things people are putting together out there to help me in this fight. I really am overwhelmed with gratitude and feel so blessed to be a part of this community we all share in. I really believe that angels are out there walking around that don’t even know it, then shit gets rough and crazy, and they answer the call and jump into action. All of you are these!!! You all help me visualize being on the other side of this. FUCK CANCER!!!
“Speaking of fucking cancer, the treatment is working. I’ve had 4 now and the mass has shrunk to less than half the size it was in March. That’s amazing progress! I’ve added the weight back I lost at the start of this. Clinically, these are all good signs. From the start, this could’ve gone in a really bad direction, but everything the doctors at UCSF laid out, has all gone according to plan in turning things around. I’m very grateful to these unsung heroes! I’m slated for surgery 1 week from today on July 12th. Unfortunately it’ll be a full gastrectomy, but the good news is I’ll get to live which is definitely NOT overrated. After recovery, I get 4 more treatments, then I can resume my life cancer-free. I can’t wait to travel the world, playing music, enjoying every moment of this crazy journey!! I’ll check in soon again and share how thing’s are going. THANKS AND MUCH LOVE TO EVERYONE!!! CHEERS!!!!”
In April, Exodus announced that they would delaying the release of their new album, Persona Non Grata, from June until November in order to allow for Hunting’s treatment. They’re currently set to begin a tour with Testament and Death Angel in October, which should provide ample time for Hunting to recover from the gastrectomy.
To help Hunting pay for his medical fees, Exodus are auctioning off a variety of gear and memorabilia, including:
- A five disc set containing copies of the albums Bonded by Blood, Pleasures of the Flesh, Fabulous Disaster, Good Friendly Violent Fun, and Another Lesson in Violence, signed by Exodus.
- A one-of-a-kind original artwork design made with Tom in mind by renowned artist Axel Hermann.
- Gary Holt signed and numbered figurine with Certificate of Authenticity.
- Gary Holt signature EMG pickups.
- An ESP guitar signed by Death Angel.
- A brand new Jackson Warlock guitar, featuring custom A Lesson in Violence graphics, signed by Exodus, Testament’s Chuck Billy, and Death Angel members Mark Osegueda and Will Carroll.
- Cymbals and drum heads signed by Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater), Gene Hoglan (Testament), Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, Overkill), John Tempesta (ex-Exodus, ex-Tesament, The Cult, etc.), and Stone Sour.
You can bid here.
Testament, Exodus, and Death Angel Tour Dates
09/09/2021 Blue Ridge Rock Festival – Danville, VA ** [tickets]
10/06/2021 Fremont Theater – San Luis Obispo, CA [tickets]
10/07/2021 Aftershock Festival – Sacramento, CA ^^ [tickets]
10/08/2021 House Of Blues – San Diego, CA * [tickets]
10/10/2021 House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA * [tickets]
10/11/2021 Rialto Theatre – Tucson, AZ [tickets]
10/12/2021 Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM * [tickets]
10/14/2021 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK * [tickets]
10/15/2021 Gas Monkey Bar & Grill – Dallas, TX [tickets]
10/16/2021 Emo’s – Austin, TX * [tickets]
10/17/2021 White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX [tickets]
10/18/2021 House Of Blues – New Orleans, LA [tickets]
10/20/2021 Masquerade – Atlanta, GA * [tickets]
10/21/2021 The Ritz – Raleigh, NC [tickets]
10/22/2021 TLA – Philadelphia, PA * [tickets]
10/23/2021 Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, NJ * [tickets]
10/24/2021 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD [tickets]
10/26/2021 The Paramount – Huntington, NY * [tickets]
10/27/2021 House Of Blues – Boston, MA * [tickets]
10/28/2021 Town Ballroom – Buffalo, NY [tickets]
10/29/2021 Madison Theater – Cincinnati, OH [tickets]
10/30/2021 The Agora – Cleveland, OH [tickets]
11/01/2021 Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA [tickets]
11/02/2021 Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH [tickets]
11/04/2021 The Majestic – Detroit, MI [tickets]
11/05/2021 The Forge – Joliet, IL * [tickets]
11/07/2021 Skyway Theatre – Minneapolis, MN [tickets]
11/09/2021 Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO * [tickets]
11/10/2021 The Depot – Salt Lake City, UT * [tickets]
11/11/2021 House Of Blues – Las Vegas, NV ^ [tickets]
11/27/2021 The Fox – Oakland, CA [tickets]
^^ Festival
^ No Exodus
* Rescheduled Testament Dates
~ No Exodus or Death Angel
*Note* Tickets for the rescheduled Testament shows will be honored.
