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Former Obituary, Death and Testament Guitarist James Murphy Fighting Cancer Recurrence

posted Oct 7, 2011 at 8:29 PM by sonictherapy.  (14 Comments)

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Band Photo: Testament (?)

James Murphy, renowned for his guitar work with Obituary, Death, Testament, and Disincarnate among others, has revealed on his Facebook page that the tumor he fought nearly a decade ago may have returned due to a high hormone indicator present during a routine bloodwork exam. He is scheduled for an MRI on the 11th of this month.

Several messages like the one below have been posted on his page, along with a Paypal account to help with his medical expenses.

"James Murphy A metal guitarist/producing legend is racking up the medical expenses, due to a relapsing brain tumor. I know how bad medical expenses can be in this great country of ours so please help out by donating via paypal to felissarose123@aol.com. Every little bit helps, whether it be 50 cents or a dollar, or more. Oh, and you can purchase these sweet CKY vinyls from Mr. Deron Miller, and all proceeds will go to help out James. Thanks"

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14 Comments on "James Murphy Fighting Cancer Recurrence"

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DreamHeater's avatar

Member

1. DreamHeater writes:

Good luck.
That's really all I can say.

# Oct 9, 2011 @ 2:42 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
psythe's avatar

Writer, Reviewer

2. psythe writes:

Best of luck dude, cancer's a b****!

# Oct 9, 2011 @ 6:17 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Cynic's avatar

Senior Reviewer

3. Cynic writes:

This really is an incredible shame - I sincerely hope he pulls through. Everything about this rings of Chuck Schuldiner's struggles, and it just seems so wrong that musicians (and well known and respected musicians) or anyone for that matter should ever have to worry about medical costs when they are most ill.

# Oct 9, 2011 @ 6:35 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
DixieSkumLord666's avatar

Member

4. DixieSkumLord666 writes:

Super weak...obituary is one of my favorite death metal bands....i hope he pulls through

# Oct 9, 2011 @ 6:54 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
deathbringer's avatar

Founder, owner & programmer

5. deathbringer writes:

It seemed like it was within a very short time that we heard about James, Chuck Schuldiner and Chuck Billy's problems back in 2001. Schuldiner had probably been battling his cancer for some time already, but I heard about them all around the same time it seemed. I hope James pulls through again. It is a shame about the healthcare system here when it comes to musicians or anyone who can't get coverage through an employer.

# Oct 9, 2011 @ 9:08 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
ZMA's avatar

Member

6. ZMA writes:

Hope he pulls through.

# Oct 10, 2011 @ 2:40 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Drum_Junkie's avatar

Member

7. Drum_Junkie writes:

DB: I feel the same way about the poor availability of healthcare to the self-employed. Underground musicians have to be a hearty bunch to live the way they do without insurance. Medical bills can break you quick.

I hope James can beat this again and can gather enough financial support to afford the treatments. Best of Luck to him!!! Cancer Sucks!

# Oct 10, 2011 @ 3:35 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
R10's avatar

Member

8. R10 writes:

I agree DB and DJ,its larger than musicions though! 48 million live without coverage in this country! Goes without saying i wish the best for Mr. Murphy,ive listened to his playing for 20 years,he's a damn good producer also! Hopefully things were caught before its too late! Dudes truly a legrend in metal,he needs to stick around!

# Oct 10, 2011 @ 7:11 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Cynic's avatar

Senior Reviewer

9. Cynic writes:

Small amount of irony in DJ's statement that cancer sucks, and Murphy played lead on Cancer's awesome "Death Shall Rise" album.

# Oct 10, 2011 @ 7:22 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Drum_Junkie's avatar

Member

10. Drum_Junkie writes:

Good eye, Cynic! I didn't even think about that. DSR should be considered a classic. My personal favs by Murphy are Disincarnate and his work with Obituary. Such powerful solos!

R10: Agree 100%. Anyone can see that the current system needs a serious overhaul and has for decades.

# Oct 10, 2011 @ 11:06 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
11. Gaius76! writes:

I sure hope James is able to fight this one as well. Strange for someone from the Netherlands to hear that people in America need to collect money for such a treatment. Although everybody pays a monthly fee, these kinds of treatments are always paid for by your insurance. Sad to see some of my musical heroes not only strungling to survive, which is a pain in the a$$ all by itself, but also fighting to pay for that struggle. I wish James a lot of strenght.

# Oct 11, 2011 @ 3:27 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
12. gutwound writes:

sad sad sad. best of luck, amigo. why can't fred durst get a fu(king braim tumor?

# Oct 13, 2011 @ 1:03 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
OverkillExposure's avatar

Writer

13. OverkillExposure writes:

^Come on, no need to wish ill on others. Starring as the title character in "Douchebag" will be shameful enough.

# Oct 18, 2011 @ 11:52 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
OlafBerzerker's avatar

Member

14. OlafBerzerker writes:

Murphys a metal Hall Of Famer no doubt, Get well.

# Oct 18, 2011 @ 5:51 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address

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