Status Quo cancel tour amid cancer fear for guitarist

Status Quo cancel tour amid cancer fear for guitarist

Legendry rock band Status Quo have called off their U.K. tour after guitarist Rick Parfitt was diagnosed with a throat tumor that could be malignant.

Partiff, 57, was having problems with his voice during the band's present tour and was taken for a medical examination. The remaining concerts of the band have been cancelled in wake of Partiff's exploratory operation next week.

“Rick saw consultant Stephen Toynton, an ear, nose and throat surgeon at the Nuffield Hospital in Plymouth, who has expressed concern with a growth in Rick's larynx. He has recommended that it requires urgent investigation; consequently all nine shows on the current sell out UK tour have been cancelled,” said band manager Simon Porter in a statement that appeared on the band's official website.

Partiff had undergone a major heart surgery in 1997 and doctors had warned him against a lifestyle of alcohol and drugs. The rocker is known to have smoked as many as 50 cigarettes a day. He hasn't been able to shed his unhealthy addictions. “We will not know for certain until the exploratory operation next week but we fear it is probably malignant,” said Porter in an interview to a British magazine. “Everyone is devastated and is hoping the best for Rick and his wife Patty. It's come at the worst possible time, just before Christmas, and in the middle of a sell-out tour, which the boys were enjoying every second.”

Status Quo have been a smashing success over the years. With their first hit 'Pictures of Matchstick Men' in 1968, they have featured in UK music charts an unmatched 61 times. Their other hit numbers include 'Burning Bridges', 'Down Down' and 'Rockin' All Over The World'.

Fans have extended their support to the rock star. “While the band obviously regret having to disappoint fans, they are thankful for their understanding at this difficult time,” said Porter.