X's Exene Cervenka diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

Though she's currently in the midst of a US tour, X frontwoman Exene Cervenka released a statement today (6/2) announcing her recent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

"After some months of not feeling 100% healthy, I recently had some medical tests run and the prognosis is that I am suffering from multiple sclerosis," Cervenka said in a prepared statement. "Apparently, it has been affecting me for quite some time."

The veteran punk-rock outfit kicked off a US tour in early April that runs through late July. Cervenka confirmed that the recent medical news will not affect the band's in-progress run, or her solo album that's slated for release this fall on Bloodshot Records.

"My focus will certainly be on maintaining my health--many people remain strong and continue to live their lives as productively as they had before an MS diagnosis and I plan to be one of those people."

The band has supported Sweet Relief--a charity that provides financial assistance to musicians struggling with disease, illness or other medical issues--since the mid-'90s. The organization was founded by Victoria Williams, a singer/guitarist who received a similar MS diagnosis while on tour with Neil Young in 1993.

Cervenka formed LA punk outfit X with her now-ex husband John Doe in 1977. The two married in 1980 and divorced five years later.

TOUR DATES
 tour dates and tickets
June 2009
4 - Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live
5 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
6 - Baltimore, MD - Ram's Head Live
9 - Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
10 - Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel
11 - Knoxville, TN - Bijou Theatre
12 - Athens, GA - 40 Watt Club
13 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
16 - Lexington, KY - The Dame
17 - Detroit, MI - The Majestic
18-20 - Chicago, IL - Double Door
22 - Madison, WI - Majestic Theatre
23 - Minneapolis, MN - The Cabooze

July 2009
23 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern
24 - Costa Mesa, CA - Pacific Amphitheater


 tour dates and tickets
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