What We Know About Michael Bolton's Recent Brain Tumor Surgery
Fans of singer Michael Bolton who had hoped to see him on tour this spring might have to wait a little longer. Bolton announced Friday on his Facebook page that his doctors discovered a brain tumor that needed surgery just before the holiday season. His post said that although he was recovering, he needed to take a break from his tour.
"It is always the hardest thing for me to ever disappoint my fans or postpone a show, but have no doubt I am working hard to accelerate my recovery and get back to performing soon," he wrote.
Bolton didn't elaborate on the type of brain tumor he had or when he began experiencing symptoms.
Bolton was scheduled to perform at the Mohegan Sun Arena on December 17, but the venue sent a media alert in early December that the event was canceled "due to illness." The show has been rescheduled for December 2024. Bolton's website still lists U.S. tour dates in February and March and two tour stops in Switzerland in April. Despite his recent announcement, concert venues are still promoting and selling tickets for the scheduled tour dates.
How brain tumors are treated
According to Cancer.Net, both low- and high-grade brain tumors usually require surgery. How much treatment is needed can depend on the size, grade, and type of tumor and whether the tumor is pressing on the brain. After recovering from the initial surgery, sometimes a patient will require radiation and chemotherapy. This can depend on the results of a biopsy performed during the surgery. Once the tumor is no longer detected, a patient will need to get regular screenings because brain tumor recurrences are common.
Not all brain tumors are cancerous, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. That doesn't make them less dangerous. Brain tumors can create pressure on the brain or spread into the spine. The location of the brain tumor can present different symptoms, such as problems with walking or vision. Someone with a brain tumor could experience headaches, seizures, personality changes, or loss of balance.
The 70-year-old Bolton has been a vegetarian since the early 1970s and takes omega-3 supplements. In 2019, he insisted on having a gym at all of his touring locations so he could continue working out five days a week (per GQ). Bolton also serves as National Chairman on the board of This Close for Cancer, a non-profit group dedicated to finding a cure for cancer.