Mick Karn

Recently I heard the very sad news of Mick Karn's diagnosis with cancer.  I was a huge Japan fan back in the early 1980's and have dipped in and out of their individual musical offerings during the years.  Mick is a hugely talented musician and I have never heard anyone make a fretless bass sound quite the way he did, it was without doubt the strongest aspect of Japan's musical sound.  I saw Japan many times and will never forget a magical night at Hammersmith Odeon when I had a ticket which was 3 rows back and managed to get to the barrier right in front of Mick - a truly magical night!!

(http://www4.informatik.uni-erlangen.de/~koesters/Privat/Wal/walpics/MickKarn82-Budokan.jpg)

There have been some statements on his website regarding his condition

"With great sadness we regret to inform you that Mick has recently been diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer. Mick is currently in a positive mood and undergoing further tests and treatment. His family and friends are close with him, supporting him in practical ways, and surrounding him with their love, friendship and care." (June2010)

It seems very sad that a musician of such talent should be in the position where he is struggling financially and an appeal was launched to help provide some financial security for his family and towards possible treatment. 

"Mick has been struggling financially for some considerable time now and we are hoping that this appeal may help to raise funds for any necessary treatment and perhaps go some way towards providing a small degree of financial support whilst Mick's immediate family provide the care and comfort we would all wish for him. We are hoping that his friends, fans and musical colleagues will, over the coming months, offer any support they feel capable of giving. Quite aside from the sheer brunt of daunting medically-related costs, Mick's clear and major concern is for the security and well being of his wife and young son."  (June 2010)

Donations can be made to the appeal via http://www.mickkarn.net/

Midge Ure who has been a long time friend of Mick Karn is also trying to set up a concert to support the appeal so fingers crossed that will happen.

(http://www.mickkarn.net/)

and the most recent update is

"We can tell you that thanks to the appeal fund, Mick and his family were able to move to London where he is currently being treated. This really wouldn't have possible without the support of Mick's friends and all of you who have raised money for the fund - so a huge thank you, it's so appreciated." (September 2010)

My thoughts and prayers are with Mick, his family and close friends.


Ciao
Sue
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Reading challenge 13/16 - currently reading If I Was by Midge Ure