By DJ Monk
Ronnie Atkins, the charismatic singer of Danish AOR legends Pretty Maids, has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
In an open letter to fans, published on the band’s Facebook page this afternoon, the frontman says:
“It’s scary how your world can be turned upside down in a couple of weeks.
“I went to my doctor for a routine check complaining about some back pains in mid-August. I then went through numerous scans, bronchoscopy, biopsies etc. and spent a lot of time waiting for answers in uncertainty.
“And so finally three weeks ago I found myself diagnosed with lung cancer.
“Now this has by all means been a shock to me, my family and those close to me since it came totally unexpected without any typical symptoms and everything just happened and developed so fast lately.
“I’m already in treatment and underwent surgery two weeks ago, then spend some 10 days in hospital with pneumonia as a consequence apparently linked to the surgery.
“According to the medical staff my prospects are good considering it’s lung cancer. However, I will have to undertake further treatment the next couple of months to be on the safe side.
“This means that I unfortunately will have to step back from most musical activities, concerts etc. for an indefinite period of time.
“I’m going into this with a positive mindset and with the continuing love and support from my family and friends I’m determined to battle this disease the best I can – God willing!
Everyone at Über Rock wishes Ronnie a full and speedy recovery.
Pretty Maids release their new album, ‘Undress Your Madness’, via Frontiers Music on 8 November.
- PHOTO CREDIT: The Dark Queen.