Bobby Womack diagnosed with colon cancer

Soul singer Bobby Womack has been diagnosed with cancer of the colon, according to his close friend Bootsy Collins.


Collins, who played bass for both James Brown and Parliament, tweeted yesterday (March 25) that he had spoken to Womack and that the singer had told him he was undergoing treatment for the illness. 


He wrote on Twitter.com/Bootsy_Collins: "I just spoke to our friend Bobby Womack. He wanted you all to know that he loves you and thanks for the prayers. Doctor says he is in the first stage of colon cancer, he is very upbeat about his future, we laughed and joked before we hung up. Thanks funkateers, we will get him back on the one!"


Collins had previously tweeted that Womack had initially been hospitalised with pneumonia and was then diagnosed with cancer of the colon. 

Now, in a statement posted on his Facebook, representatives for Womack have confirmed he is fighting the illness and, although he was released from hospital yesterday, he will return later this month for further treatment and surgery.

"Because of stories circulating regarding the health of soul icon Bobby Womack, we felt it necessary to set the record straight," says the statement. "We're pleased to let everyone know that Bobby was released from hospital yesterday afternoon following a successful recovery from pneumonia."

It added "Bobby has cancer and is scheduled to undergo surgery later this month."

Womack himself said: "My family, friends and I are looking forward to a successful surgery and speedy recovery. I want to thank all of my fans for their prayers, love and well wishes. I look forward to seeing all of you on the road in support of my new release."

Bobby Womack's brand new album, 'The Bravest Man In The Universe', is set for release on June 11.


Co-produced by Blur's Damon Albarn and XL Recordings' Richard Russell, the album was recorded late last year in Albarn's own Studio 13 in West London and also in New York. 


The album is soul singer Womack's first LP of original material in 18 years, following 1994's 'Resurrection'. The album will be released on the XL label, also home to Adele and The xx.


(SOURCE - NME)