What type of cancer does Richard Lloyd have? Television's former guitarist reveals battle with aggressive illness

Richard Lloyd, rock band Television's founding member and original guitarist, has been diagnosed with bile duct cancer.

As revealed by the GoFundMe page initiated by Richard Lloyd's friend, Sean Seymour, the 74-year-old musician has been found to have cholangiocarcinoma in March.

Seymour, also the bassist of Richard Lloyd Group, said Richard Lloyd has tumors in his liver, including one located near a major blood vessel. Doctors have determined the tumor is too dangerous to remove surgically.

There have been a number of medical complications that Richard Lloyd has encountered since his diagnosis.

According to Seymour, the artist has had to be admitted into the intensive care unit seven times and has had two occurrences of sepsis in addition to problems with his liver and kidneys.

"Since his diagnosis, Richard has been through an extraordinary amount. He has been in the ICU seven times, dealing with serious complications including sepsis twice, as well as complications involving his liver and kidneys. And through all of this, he's fighting."

Seymour added that the collected funds would help him and his wife cover the cost of his treatments since he is currently unable to work because of his condition.

"Richard and his wife, Sheila, are now facing serious financial pressure. Sheila is Richard's full-time caregiver and is unable to work because Richard needs constant support. There have also been unresolved royalty issues going back roughly two years, creating another significant financial strain at an already incredibly difficult time."

Seymour went on:

"Like most working musicians, Richard is being overwhelmed by crushing medical expenses and the ongoing costs of simply getting through each month while he is unable to work. This fundraiser will help Richard and Sheila with medical expenses, monthly living expenses, and the many other costs that come with Richard being unable to work and Sheila being a full-time caregiver."

Richard Lloyd asks for help as he battles bile duct cancer

Seymour concluded the post with a message from Lloyd himself.

"I am usually a pretty upbeat person and I am taking this in stride, but it has become very difficult on our own and financially we are strapped. That's why I'm asking for your help. If you can see your way clear to make a donation please do that. Otherwise, please pass it around to your friends that might help and people that know me."

Cholangiocarcinoma is a type of cancer that forms in the bile ducts, which are tubes that transport bile from the liver to the gall bladder and small intestine. The condition afflicts approximately 8,000 individuals in America annually.

Television was established by Lloyd and Tom Verlaine in New York in the 1970s. They were important in introducing the punk and alternative music genre in New York, particularly through their shows in CBGB.

Trending

They released their groundbreaking debut album, Marquee Moon, in 1977.

Lloyd continued his work as an independent musician and with other bands, such as the Richard Lloyd Group, after quitting Television in 2007.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback