Noddy Holder of Slade has been privately fighting oesophageal cancer for the past five years, his wife Suzan Holder revealed in an exclusive column for Cheshire Life magazine.
Diagnosed in 2018, the singer was initially given a mere six months to live. Despite the dire prognosis, Holder and his family chose to keep the diagnosis within their inner circle. As Suzan recounted, the news took them by surprise:
“You see, five years ago, we were given the devastating news that he had oesophageal cancer and only had six months to live. I’m sorry if that comes as a bit of a shock; it came as a total bombshell to us, too. We coped with it the only way we could by hunkering down, sticking together, and doing everything we could to survive it.
We told only immediate close family and friends, and I will never apologize to those we did not confide in, only to those who were forced to suffer pain and anguish alongside us as we attempted to navigate our way through this new and horrifying world. They held our hands and kept our confidence. We truly found out who our real friends are.”
Seeking treatment options, Holder became part of an experimental chemotherapy trial at The Christie Hospital in Manchester. The outcome of this treatment was uncertain, with no assurances about its effectiveness. On Holder’s return to the stage this summer, Suzan said the following:
“So when an opportunity to perform on stage arose this summer, Noddy was thrilled to be able to do it. He has never had any interest in attempting to recreate his Slade days; he’s proud of the 25 years he spent in the band, but that time is behind him. New challenges are what interests and excites him. He was tempted back on stage by an invitation from Cheshire musician Tom Seals.”
As for Noddy Holder’s health journey, Suzan attributed much of his recovery to his positive outlook and his choice to focus on the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. She expressed her admiration for her husband’s determination and ability to face challenges head-on.
Earlier this year, Holder performed with Tom Seals. The collaboration saw them perform in venues such as Wimborne, Dorset, Noddy’s hometown of Walsall in the West Midlands, and The Lowry Theatre in Manchester. These performances were well-received, with each show selling out.
In addition to his performances with Seals, Holder joined other musicians last year, including Ozzy Osbourne, in recording a Christmas song. Proceeds from this venture went towards The Cancer Awareness Trust charity.
Fans of Slade can look forward to the band’s upcoming shows in locations such as České Budějovice, Pelhřimov, Nordhavn, Ptuj, and the U.K.
