Music
13 Dec 22

Rage Against The Machine's Tim Commerford underwent surgery for prostate cancer

"I've been someone that's taken a lot of pride in being in shape and taking care of myself. But it's something where either you're either lucky or not," Tim Commerford said.

Tim Commerford has revealed that he recently underwent surgery following a prostate cancer diagnosis.

The Rage Against the Machine bassist told SPIN magazine he hopes his diagnosis will encourage others to “get checked out.”

Speaking of his surgery, Commerford said, "Right before I was about to go on tour with Rage, I had my prostate removed, and I have prostate cancer.’

"I've been someone that's taken a lot of pride in being in shape and taking care of myself. But it's something where either you're either lucky or not,” he continued.

In his interview with the magazine which was published on Monday, the 54-year old discussed the background leading up to his diagnosis. “I went to get life insurance but my PSA (Prostate-specific antigen - a blood test to screen for prostate cancer) numbers were up. I couldn't get it. They wouldn't insure me.

"At first, the number was very low - like one-point-something. I watched it over the course of a year and a half, and it kept elevating further. Eventually, they did a biopsy and found out I had cancer, so they took my prostate out.”

"Now I'm in the situation that I'm in, which is, hold your breath for six months. It's not a good one and not one that I'm happy about. I'm just trying to grab ahold of the reins. It's gonna be a long journey, I hope,” he added.

During the interview, the bassist also spoke of his family’s history with cancer. “My dad died in his early 70s from cancer and my mom died from cancer in her 40s. Split the difference to 65 and I've got 10 years. I'm trying to get to the 100-song mark - I have some goals now. Songwriting has become a catharsis for me."

Remaining optimistic in the face of what has been an undoubtedly challenging time, Commerford still considers the glass to be half-full stating, “Everything happens for a reason, and that's what I always tell myself. That's what a lot of people say, but I really believe that."

“Music has always been there in the toughest of times.”@RATMofficial’s Tim Commerford reveals his private battle with prostate cancer

Read the full interview here: https://t.co/IM9OboSuYI

— SPIN (@SPIN) December 12, 2022