Sharon Jones Speaks Out About Her Cancer, Documentary & Australian Tour

Earlier this year the music world was saddened to hear that the incredible Sharon Jones had been struck down by bile duct cancer, a condition that would require intense treatment and, as such, would delay plans for the long-awaited new record from her group Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Give The People What They Want.

We spoke to Jones a few days ago while she was in Sharon Springs, a small town in upstate New York, where she is preparing to undergo her final two bouts of chemotherapy.

“Next Tuesday, New Year's Eve, that's my final treatment,” she says stoically.

She laments the loss of her hair and her nails and the changing of her body, but she is not going to hide; the band has shows booked from February onwards and so long as Jones is physically capable of being onstage, she'll be there.

“It is what it is,” she says. “I want the fans to see what I'm going through. This is the first time I've been off the stage for so long, this is the longest I've ever been down and out. So I'm ready to get back out there, even though physically right now I'm not ready.

“I don't want to wait until my hair grows back, until I look like [I used to] – I just want to get back out there. Once my body gets strong enough then that's what I wanna do.”

Throughout our conversation there is no false bravado, Jones makes it clear that she is scared of her return to the stage. At this point in time she is weak and unwell, but she promises she will work hard to get back to full strength.

“It's scary, it's a little nerve wracking. I haven't performed in such a long time and I'm weak and not able to work out and build my muscles and lungs back up; but I'll be able to do that after the 31st [of December – her final treatment].  I will start singing probably next week, and then get back on the treadmill – running and singing and getting the air back in my lungs.”

While her return to the stage is not far away, she's maintaining patience and focusing on becoming well before concerning herself too much with her music.

“I have to let one thing go,” she explains.” I can't concentrate on my music when I'm sick and taking this medicine and feeling how I feel. But once this medicine is out of me and my body starts coming back then I can concentrate on my music.

“They took my gall bladder out, the head of my pancreas is gone, a foot and a half of my small intestine… I'll have to take enzymes for the rest of my life to help break down my food and stuff.”

The usually highly-energetic and sharply dressed Jones is conscious that she'll be returning without some of the trademarks of her onstage appearance, another scary thought for a performer like her.

“For one thing me not having hair… it's part of my character and part of what I do on stage,” she says. “And my dresses, I'm starting out this year without those – maybe by the time I get to you guys I might have my dresses and hair back. I have to go on how I'm feeling – I have no idea.

“I'm a little nervous, I have to admit. I'm very nervous. But in my heart and my faith, I believe God  has blessed me and gotten me through this and I don't think he's gonna leave me now. I don't know what's gonna happen until I get out there and do it.”

A documentary film crew have been following Jones as she battles with the cancer through this year and, while Jones isn't certain as to how the film will turn out, she's hoping she can give strength to those in a similar situation.

“Cabin Creek Films are doing a documentary on me – VH1 is behind it – they've been following me for the last few months. They're gonna be filming my last chemo treatment on New Year's Eve and after the Beacon [the Dap Kings return to duty at New York's Beacon Theatre in early February] show they're going to try and get the film out during the [US] summer.

“They caught me when my hair was falling out, when I went to the barber shop and got it cut off and I'm crying; they got it all… There's so much stuff they've got of me so I have no idea how they're gonna portray it. I've gotta leave it up to them now.”

It's all in the interest of keeping her fans and those in a similar situation aware of what she's going through. Jones is not interested in hiding from the truth.

“That's why I chose not to hide out for a year and a half and then when I come back people are like 'look at her, she doesn't look like she was sick' – I'm just not that kind of person.”

The band are adored by Australian audiences and Jones promises that Australia is already on her calendar as a tour destination in 2014.

“Oh shoot yeah, we got you man!” she exclaims when asked about the chance of an Australian return. “We're gonna be coming out there in fall – it's right here in my calendar – it'll be our summer or your fall or something like that. You're definitely in the calendar. Oh shoot yeah!  We're gonna be there for a long run, like three weeks, I think.”