Mick Karn – Sad News

Posted by: Phil Ward on 08 June 2010

All,

Sorry to be a bearer of sad news but this, from Mick Karn's site (www.mickkarn.net) will come as a blow to any, like me, that love his work:

MICK KARN APPEAL - Posted 4th June 2010

With great sadness we regret to inform you that Mick has recently been diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer. Mick is currently in a positive mood and undergoing further tests and treatment. His family and friends are close with him, supporting him in practical ways, and surrounding him with their love, friendship and care.

Mick has been struggling financially for some considerable time now and we are hoping that this appeal may help to raise funds for any necessary treatment and perhaps go some way towards providing a small degree of financial support whilst Mick's immediate family provide the care and comfort we would all wish for him. We are hoping that his friends, fans and musical colleagues will, over the coming months, offer any support they feel capable of giving. Quite aside from the sheer brunt of daunting medically-related costs, Mick's clear and major concern is for the security and well being of his wife and young son.

If you would like to make a donation whether as an individual or as a group, you can do so via the paypal link below which has been set up for this sole and express purpose. Any support you are able to give, no matter how small, could make a difference in helping Mick cope during this difficult period. His friends will be looking at a variety of ways to raise funds.

If you would simply like to leave your kind messages of support for Mick, please do so, here: Messages

We will keep you all updated as often as we can.

Please do note that news is released with Mick's full approval.
Posted: 3rd June 2010
Posted on: 08 June 2010 by hungryhalibut
It is always sad to hear that anyone has cancer or indeed any other serious or terminal illness. But as for asking for funds, that sounds very odd. I thought we had an NHS that provided the necessary care. There are also many excellent hospices that provide free care and support. I have lost my mother, both inlaws and a good friend to cancer, and none of them felt the need to beg.

Nigel
Posted on: 08 June 2010 by Lontano
Porcupine Tree are currently auctioning a couple of limited edition (red) books of their new DVD Anesthetize on ebay. Proceeds to go to Mick. So far at £480 and £350 with a day or so to go.
Posted on: 08 June 2010 by Steve2
I was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer eight years ago. By the time it was diagnosed I was in a pretty bad way health wise. My surgeon said that he could not guarantee me an operation for several weeks because of a shortage of intensive care beds. Time was not on my side so my sister very kindly stumped up £20 000 for the operation and I went private. I had a Full Whipple Procedure and months of Chemo afterwards. I felt bitter that after paying into the NHS for 30 odd years the first time I needed to call on its services I could not rely on it.

I do not want to make a political point nor do I want to detract from the real issue of how we can support Mick Karn in his hour of need. I was lucky. Very lucky. The love and support of all my friends and family in a myriad of different ways made a considerable difference to me.

I sincerely hope, as I am sure we all do, that Mick will get through this.

Steve T
Posted on: 08 June 2010 by Lontano
I am sure you really know but...

http://www.mickkarn.net/Pages/Biography.htm
Posted on: 08 June 2010 by TomK
I wish him all the best. I've gone through it with two members of my immediate family and several friends. All on the NHS. Why does he expect his health care to be paid for by people who have already contributed to what should have been a comfortable and financially secure lifestyle? Sorry to seem mean spirited but this is the last sort of cause I'd contribute to. In fact as I think about it he's got a fecking nerve.
Posted on: 08 June 2010 by Phil Ward
Have to say I'm a tad bemused at the reaction to my original post.

First, I believe the reason Mick Karn can't call on the services of the NHS is simply that he lives beyond its reach.

Second, I believe that the money made from Japan was (is), how do I put this politely, not equally distributed among the four members.

Third, "who is Mick Karn"? That one really surprises me. In my book he's one of the most innovative electric bass players of the last thirty years. Nobody else plays quite like him.

Phil
Posted on: 09 June 2010 by Derry
quote:
Originally posted by Phil Ward:


Third, "who is Mick Karn"? That one really surprises me. In my book he's one of the most innovative electric bass players of the last thirty years. Nobody else plays quite like him.

Phil


Why should you be surprised that some (probably mnay) people don't share your taste in music?
Posted on: 09 June 2010 by Steve2
Stu

Heartfelt sympathy to you for the loss of your Mother to this pernicious and insidious disease. As each day passes I realize how truly lucky I am. Thanks for your kind words.

Good to have you back on the Forum.

Steve T
Posted on: 09 June 2010 by King Size
quote:
Originally posted by Phil Ward:
Second, I believe that the money made from Japan was (is), how do I put this politely, not equally distributed among the four members.

This is quite possible but not necessarily suspect, especially if certain members are the main songwriters in the group and others aren't (as was the case in Japan).