Thunder’s Ben gets cancer all-clear

Thunder guitarist Ben Matthews has been given the all-clear following cancer treatment.

The 50-year-old was diagnosed in July after malignant cells were discovered during tonsil surgery. He’d been replaced by Pete Shoulder of The Union for the band’s appearance at the Calling festival.

Now frontman Danny Bowes reports: “You’ll be pleased to hear that Ben saw the oncologist on November 4 and was given the all-clear. It means his treatment worked.

“He’s over the moon, as we are. He’s still quite poorly; but all he has to do is concentrate on recovering his energy and strength. The side-effects will hopefully subside quite soon.

“He was at the cover shoot for the new album yesterday, and though he was quite tired, he did a fine job – with his new short hair.”

Earlier this year Thunder confirmed they were working on a follow-up to 2009’s Bang, originally planned to be their final album. Bowes says: “An announcement is coming really soon, but today is all about Ben’s splendid news.”

They tour the UK with Reef and Tax The Hear in March next year:

Mar 12: Leeds First Direct Arena

Mar 13: Birmingham NIA

Mar 14: London Eventim Apollo

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Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.