Slade frontman Noddy Holder had an oesophageal cancer diagnosis five years ago and was told he “only had six months to live”, his wife Suzan has revealed.
The 77-year old musician fronted the glam rock band known for singles Merry Xmas Everybody and Far Far Away, until he left in 1992.
In an emotional piece for Cheshire Life magazine, Suzan also discussed the star’s cancer prognosis and how he coped “with amazing good humour and breathtaking bravery”.
She penned: “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 apologise 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.
My column in this months @cheshirelife magazine is the most personal I have ever written.
— Suzan Holder (@HolderSuzan) October 19, 2023
Noddy Holder's wife reveals Slade star's five-year cancer battle https://t.co/IYRVUbLfWG pic.twitter.com/LlmS7iGqSG
“They held our hands and kept our confidence. We truly found out who our real friends are.”
Suzan, who married Noddy in 2004, said the Merry Xmas Everyone singer has managed to stay positive despite his diagnosis, and revealed how he underwent a new trial of chemotherapy at The Christie Hospital in Manchester, which has helped to keep him alive.
She continued: "There were no guarantees, no one knew if it would have any effect, let alone work miracles, but he responded well.
"As anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis will know, the experts never like to use the word 'cure', but here we are five years later and he’s feeling good and looking great."
Slade earned themselves six UK Number One singles during their 25-year career, with their biggest hit being 1973's Merry Xmas Everybody, which is reported to bring in £500,000 in royalties each year.
