Ann Wilson, lead singer of American rock band Heart, has revealed she has cancer.
The 74-year-old said the band’s upcoming Royal Flush Tour in the US would be postponed while she had treatment.
Wilson made the announcement on Tuesday, saying she recently had surgery to remove “something that, as it turns out, was cancerous”.
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“The operation was successful, and I’m feeling great,” said Wilson, whose band is known for the hit songs Barracuda, Magic Man, Alone and These Dreams.
“But my doctors are now advising me to undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I’ve decided to do it.”
Wilson said the decision to postpone the tour came at the behest of her doctors, after she was urged to take the rest of the year off to “fully recover”.
“I really do wish we could do these gigs,” the singer said.
“Please know that I absolutely plan to be back on stage in 2025.
“Thank you for the support. This is merely a pause. I’ve much more to sing.”
Wilson said her team was working on details for alternative tour dates, with a plan to let ticket holders know as soon as possible.
The singer rose to fame in the early 1970s, along with her sister, Nancy, the band’s guitarist and back-up singer.
Fans posted messages of support after the rock star’s shock announcement.
“Ann, YOU are the most important thing to invest your energy in! All of us, your fans, will be there when and if you’re ready! Wishing you a speedy and full recovery,” said one.
“I’m a little disappointed, but that means nothing to me. What means everything to me is that you’re healthy. Concerts and this and that can definitely wait. Sending love and support,” said another.
The Royal Flush Tour was set to play at more than 50 locations across North America.
All are now displayed on the website as being “postponed, with new dates to be decided”.