Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown reveals stage 4 cancer battle
Blues rock legend Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown has revealed he is battling stage 4 colon cancer. Simmonds posted the following on social media.
Hi,
I’ve had to cancel the remaining gigs for this year so I think this is a good time to let everyone know what is going on.
For close to a year now, I’ve been battling stage 4 colon cancer. I was diagnosed with “signet cell” colon cancer (SCCC). It’s a very rare form that accounts for no more than 1% of cases. SCCC is rarely found early enough to provide a chance for cure.
I’ve been receiving chemotherapy and that has made it hard for me to play gigs. One of the side effects is peripheral neuropathy which has now deadened the nerves in my fingers and hands (feet too).
Chemotherapy has been an ongoing reality in my life since the first diagnosis and surgery last September. It has kept me going with a decent quality of life. I’m very grateful for that and all the superb health care I’ve received locally as well as the unending support of my wife, family and friends.
Luckily there is a new album coming out in a few months’ time that I was able to finish back in the spring. Some of the tracks were “in the bag” prior to my illness. I also switched to slide guitar on others which made it easier to play with my current condition. I’m super happy with all the songs and I believe you will be too upon listening.
My days of playing live are limited going forward but I have the new album coming out and I have also many more songs in the studio files that I intend to release as time evolves.
I’m sorry I won’t be seeing any of you live on stage this year but, in the meantime, there are plenty of YouTube performances from through the years for everyone to watch.
Good luck to you all and best wishes,
Kim Simmonds
NY August 2022
Blues Rock Review interviewed Simmonds back in 2020 fresh off the release of Ain’t Done Yet, which was voted to Blues Rock Review’s top 20 albums of 2020.
Hang in there Kim. It’s Neal from Myrtle Beach, if you remember me. Keep riding that train to somewhere! Hope to see you down the road.
Kim, I’m an old friend of Tim Pratt…like me..I’m certain Tim would be devastated by your news! I am a cancer survivor…..I was diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer in 2016…had a double mastectomy (the tumor was in my right breast). I’ve been cancer-free for 6 years now! Fight the GOOD FIGHT!! You’re in my prayers!!
Chuck Hutsler
Hello Kim— Besides being one of the great guitarists of all time, you are a wonderful, gracious and humble human being. I’ve had the pleasant opportunity to speak with you at some of your gigs and I’ve always found you to be an extremely kind person.
No worries about the lack of live gigs— the important thing is to focus on your recovery for you and your family.
Like all of your many fans, I wish you all the best. You’ve enriched all of our lives with your music and your spectacular guitar work 👍
Kim
I was super looking forward to seeing you in woodbridge nj….you canceled for reasons I now know….I have of late been enjoying all your work…hang in there….. you will be in my thoughts and prayers…….enjoy some of my art stevesolop@instagram…….hope it puts a smile on your face……
SS
Wishing you a speedy recovery . I first saw the group at The Fillmore East . I have been a fan since . I have been fortunate to see you play live several times over the years . Rest and recovery are the main focus . I am sure there are many looking forward to your return to performing . It’s great to have all your music to keep the blues alive . Get well soon .
Just heard of Mr Simmons passing. Saw him at Yoshi’s in Oakland Ca couple yrs ago and he was
fantastic. Great show, great guitarist and seemingly funny, friendly man.
RIP Kim.
lm sorry to hear Kim is gone. l have proximal peripheral neuropathy in my legs and arms and feet it is very painful even with rhe Gabapentin. have to walk with a walker now. God Bless Kim and all of Savoy Brown…RIP Legend…💜🕊