BugsJordan Brunoli, the bassist of the Queensland rock band Bugs, has shared a devastating update about his condition with fans.
Last June, Bugs launched a fundraising campaign in support of Brunoli, who, at 29, had been diagnosed with “incurable stage four colorectal cancer.”
The band noted that the cancer had aggressively spread to Brunoli’s liver and lymph nodes, meaning that he was unable to work for the “foreseeable future” as he received treatment.
Brunoli was admitted to the hospital and underwent “major” surgery that removed tumours from his bowel and lymph nodes. He began chemotherapy the following week.
Now, the bassist has informed fans that he’s reached “the final chapter” of his life.
“I wanted to share an update about my health amidst all the new music,” Brunoli wrote in an Instagram post addressed to fans on Sunday (16 August).
“I have spent over a year now trying different chemotherapy drugs, backed by an amazing oncologist and treatment team,” he continued. “Unfortunately I have a mutation that causes rapid growth of tumours, and none of the treatments have been able to stop the cancer from spreading.
“I am now entering the final chapter of my life after being told in June I had a prognosis of 3-4 months. I'm sharing this with everyone to keep y'all in the loop and be as upfront as possible.”
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Brunoli then expressed his gratitude for his bandmates and the team surrounding Bugs, thanking them for indulging his wish to release the band’s upcoming album, Head Noise, and hit the road. The album is scheduled for release on Friday, 28 August, and marks their first full-length in four years.
“Head Noise means so much to me,” Brunoli wrote. “I can't wait for you to hear the whole album. We've worked on it for the last 2 years, through the good and the bad.
“We kept recording when I was recovering from surgery, sick from chemo, even when I had neuropathy so bad I couldn't feel the guitar I was playing. With the love and support of everyone, we are finally able to share it with you.”
He concluded the post, “My focus has always been on enjoying the music and sharing it with others. Playing, recording and touring around Australia with Bugs has been the opportunity of a lifetime.
“I just wanna say, if there were a few final shows coming up, you can bet ur ass I'll be playing them. Thank you everyone, and watch me enjoy the fuck out of the rest of my Life. Love, Jords.”
The Music is keeping Jordan Brunoli, his family, friends, and Bugs in our thoughts.
Last October, GRAIN and Sunroom hosted a festival dubbed Saving A Bugs Life: A Fundraising Show For Jordan at The Tivoli in Brisbane.
Bugs performed, DZ Deathrays played a DJ set, and bands including Dear Seattle, Beddy Rays, Sly Withers, The Buoys, VOIID, TOWNS, Talk Heavy, and others performed throughout the day.
Upon announcing Brunoli’s diagnosis last year, his bandmates wrote, “Jordan has spent over a decade selflessly giving his energy to our band Bugs, and through that effort has made a profoundly positive impact on the lives of many. He has always done this from a place of generosity and love; his primary motivation being connecting with people via music and performing.
“He is an incredible son, loving partner and lifelong friend to many. He has always been a dedicated and hardworking civil leading hand at Ventia, taking pride in his role and the people he worked with every day.”
