Former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes has begun treatment for head and neck cancer with the commencement of chemotherapy and radiation sessions.
Earlier today (Friday, March 11), the 63-year-old musician’s wife and manager, Cathy-Sarah Holmes, who first shared the news of his diagnosis in a social media post last month, issued the following update on his condition: “Chris started the first chemo (he will have 3 rounds) last Monday. They don’t let me sleep at the hospital then at 8pm I had to leave it was difficult. Chris said to the doctor ‘Do you know in 10 years it is the first time my wife and I are separated’ but when I arrived the next morning with a big smile he said ‘I missed you’. He started also his radiation every day from Monday to Friday. He has nausea and can’t eat very well because of this, but the first week of radiation was ok. He don’t suffer for now any bad effects. He is getting tired quickly but it is normal apparently.
“I was watching him eat yesterday and I told him ‘I will never imagine I will be so happy to see you eat’ he laughed. He is in good spirit and positive.
“He asked the nurse, who is doing his radiation, to take pictures, this is one of them Chris want we share with all of you.”
Holmes joined W.A.S.P. in 1982 and remained with the group until 1990. In 1996, the guitarist returned to W.A.S.P. and stayed with the band until 2001. Chris has not played with W.A.S.P. since.