Gordy Quist, singer and guitarist of country quintet the Band of Heathens, announced that he has been diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer. In a post on the band’s social media, Quist told fans that the diagnosis came after a routine colonoscopy,
and he had not been experiencing any symptoms.
“I would urge all of you to please get your colonoscopy if you are overdue,” Quist said in the video. “It’s super easy, not a big deal and I’m very fortunate that I went to get mine because I’ve had zero symptoms and likely would not have had symptoms for a while now.” He went on to share that he will not be touring with the band for the foreseeable future so he can “dive headfirst into this challenge” and focus on treatment — though he encouraged fans to still catch the Band of Heathens on tour with Donovan Frankenreiter and promised a collaborative show. (Quist co-founded the group with fellow vocalist Ed Jurdi in 2005.)
Quist ended the video by pointing to his personal site, where he will be posting updates on his health and treatment. In his first post, he reiterated the importance of regular colonoscopies. “If you’re 45 or older, or have ever had blood in your poop (regardless of your age), please go schedule your colonoscopy,” Quist wrote. “It’s really not a big deal. The prep is the worst part, and even that is mostly just a long evening getting very well acquainted with your bathroom. Most likely they’ll find nothing of concern. But if you’re in the unlikely position of having a tumor, time is of the essence.”
According to recent research, rates of colorectal cancer are rising in almost all age groups, including brackets too young to qualify for insurance coverage of a colonoscopy. According to reporting from the Washington Post, one of the most impactful ways to help fight these increasing cases is to spread awareness, which makes Quist’s willingness to share his story so important.
This past April, Rolling Stone spoke with Quist about the Band of Heathens’ new album Country Sides, which reflected on the band’s lengthy career. “It was kind of a career retrospective, in a weird way,” Quist told Rolling Stone. “We didn’t set out to, literally, write a record about that. But a lot of the emotional content mirrors our 20-year journey from being young and inspired — hit the road at all costs and do 250 shows a year starting out, and finding a little bit of success as an independent band. Then realizing how hard it is and wondering how to keep digging for inspiration, and finally ending up in a good spot.”
Despite his diagnosis, Quist assured fans that he still plans on making music at home, and is looking for work to sink his teeth into. “Look me up if you want to work on a project,” he said. “I’ll be around.”
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