Bill Wyman, the former bassist for the Rolling Stones, announced today that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He is expected to make a full recovery.
A rep for the 79-year-old musician tweeted the news this morning. The Rolling Stones also sent a statement to Rolling Stone.
“Bill Wyman, former member of the Rolling Stones, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He is undergoing treatment and is expected to make a full recovery as it was caught in the early stages,” the Stones’ statement read. “The Wyman family has asked for their privacy during this time. No further comment will be made at this point.”
Wyman joined the Stones in late 1962 and remained with the band until 1993. He did reunite with the group when they performed in London in 2012, taking the stage for “It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll” and “Honky Tonk Women.” He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the group.
Outside of the Stones, Wyman led his own group, Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. Last summer, he released a solo album called Back to Basics. He has also written two books about playing with the Stones.
Last week, the Stones announced that they will play a free concert in Cuba. They are currently on a tour of Latin America.