Tim Commerford’s Courageous Journey
Rage Against The Machine bassist Tim Commerford has shared his experience of living with prostate cancer, asserting that it is the “strongest (he’s) ever been.”
The 56-year-old musician disclosed his diagnosis in 2022, revealing that he had his prostate removed just before Rage was about to embark on tour. “Right now I’m in the same situation I’m in, which is holding my breath for six months,” Commerford expressed at the time.
“It’s not a good option and I’m not happy about it. I’m just trying to grab the reins. I hope it will be a long journey.”
Reflections on Family History
He added: “My father died of cancer at the age of 70 and my mother died of cancer at 40. Divide the difference by 65 and you get 10 years. I’m trying to reach the 100 song mark – I have some goals now.”
During a recent interview with TotalRock, Commerford candidly discussed his nearly three-year cancer journey. “I’m the strongest I’ve ever been in my life,” he stated (via Chatterbox).
“I am 56 years old. I’m artistic, I’m focused on it, and I’m proud of it. I’ve always taken great pride in being fit in my old age because most people my age don’t; this is true. And I feel very good about it.”
Advocating for Early Detection
The bassist, who also performs with the band 7D7D, recalled how he felt “broken” upon receiving his cancer diagnosis. “It took me a couple of years before I could even discuss cancer without getting emotional or crying about it,” he shared.
“But what helped me move past the tears was this physical realization of, ‘Yo, yeah, I’m sick.’ For instance, I have a cadaveric hamstring tendon in my shoulder, and the doctor informed me that, ‘Your left shoulder will only be 75 percent stronger than your right.’ I thought, if I become 200 percent stronger than I could be, then I will be 125 percent stronger.”
Regarding how he wishes to motivate those who may suspect they have prostate cancer, Commerford advised: “I tell people, if your PSA number is going up, see an expert, see an expert.”
“At that point, find someone who knows everything about it, is a prostate cancer expert, and can provide help. This is what I didn’t do. I discovered mine through a health insurance test that found it early.”
He continued: “I went to the doctor, and she monitored it until it reached a critical point, stating, ‘Oh, it’s reached this level now. You need surgery; you have cancer.’ ‘What?’ ‘Yes. We need to remove your prostate.’ ‘Really?’ ‘Yep. And your cancer has started to extend beyond the prostate. This means it has entered my body.’ Typically, when it’s caught, it’s contained. They remove the prostate and the cancer along with it.”
The former Audilave member emphasized the importance of “seeing an expert” promptly for early diagnosis. “Had I consulted a specialist sooner, they would have performed an MRI, pinpointed the cancer’s location, and I could have had it removed while still encapsulated, leading to a better outcome,” he noted.
You can watch the full interview in the video above.
Commerford previously mentioned he is “tested every three months” and is experiencing a “different life now” due to the illness.
Rage Against The Machine concluded their “Public Service Announcement” tour at Madison Square Garden in New York City in August 2022.
Earlier this year, Commerford expressed uncertainty about the band’s current status after drummer Brad Wilk implied they might have broken up. “I don’t know,” the bassist remarked. “I don’t interfere with this.”
Commerford recently toured the UK and Europe with 7D7D, describing the side project as “a trio that changed the way I feel and enjoy music.”
https://www.nme.com/news/music/rage-against-the-machine-tim-commerford-living-with-prostate-cancer-strongest-ive-ever-been-3821476?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rage-against-the-machine-tim-commerford-living-with-prostate-cancer-strongest-ive-ever-been
