An indie rock frontman took to social media to reveal to fans that he'd received a cancer diagnosis right before he was set to kick off a major tour.
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Doug Dulgarian, who fronts the Philadelphia indie outfit They Are Gutting a Body of Water (TAGABOW), told fans on Instagram yesterday (Oct. 20) that the alternative rock group is canceling its upcoming North American tour.
However, the group kept three December dates. TAGABOW will still play in Brooklyn on Dec. 9 and 10 before returning to Philly for a Dec. 18 show. The tour was set to kick off at the end of October.
In a lengthy caption to his post, which included candid snapshots of the frontman and his indie rock band, Dulgarian revealed he'd received the cancer diagnosis on Oct. 16. The sad news coincided with the release of TAGABOW's new mixtape, Kool Faith / Loosies II.
Dulgarian also took time to reassure fans that he was optimistic in the wake of his diagnosis.
"I wanna make this clear. I'm not seeking pity," he wrote in part. "I do not want to sway your emotions to feel bad for me. I just want to inform you; I genuinely believe this will work out just fine. There are many people with much worse problems, and my life has been so infinitely blessed and privileged & I never lose sight of that."
"This ain't the end of the world," the frontman insisted.
"I'm scared and unsure of how this will all go,' he admitted. "The prognosis seems to be pretty good. That's cool."
Fans Rally Behind TAGABOW's Doug Dulgarian After He Reveals Cancer Diagnosis
Of course, fans rallied around Dulgarian in the comments section to his emotional post.
"You're an inspiration," one fan wrote. "Sending so much love and prayers," another top comment read.
"I had cancer when I was a kid. I got brain surgery and then radiation therapy and recovered. It has informed my life and been a reminder that this is all a gift. You will make it through," another thoughtful fan added.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe had been established for the musician while he undergoes cancer treatment. As of this writing, fans have already raised $61,000 for the beloved indie rock frontman.
Here's hoping Dulgarian makes a full recovery and hits the stage full force ASAP.
