Died Pretty’s Ron Peno announces cancer diagnosis

Acclaimed Aussie rockers Died Pretty have cancelled a number of upcoming tour dates following the cancer diagnosis of frontman Ron Peno.

Kicking off back in 1983, Sydney’s Died Pretty was formed following Ron Peno’s departure from his previous band, Screaming Tribesmen. By 1986, the group had released their debut album, Free Dirt, and by 1991, they’d scored an Album of the Year nomination at the ARIAs for Doughboy Hollow.

Over the years though, the group’s live performances have been rather sporadic, with Died Pretty entering frequent periods of hibernation. However, recent years have seen more consistent touring, leading to the band’s recent announcement as a support act for Bryan Ferry’s upcoming A Day On The Green tour dates.

However, Died Pretty have today announced that they’ve been forced to pull out of these dates on account of health issues affecting Ron Peno.

In a statement shared to Facebook, Died Pretty’s management noted that the group’s upcoming shows have been cancelled, explaining that “Ron has been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and will be commencing immediate treatment.”

Back in October, Died Pretty were named as one of the support acts for Bryan Ferry’s A Day On The Green appearances later this month. Alongside Models and newly-reformed icons I’m Talking, these concerts were set to provide audiences with a lesson in Aussie rock before Ferry stormed the stage.

Sadly, Peno’s diagnosis have seen Died Pretty replaced by The Sports’ Stephen Cummings for these upcoming shows.

In a statement given to the Sydney Morning Herald, A Day On The Green founder Mick Newton explained that “every member of the A Day on the Green team was very sorry to hear this news.”

“We all love Ronnie,” Newton continued. “He’s a charming man and an immense talent, as anyone who has seen him will know.”

“We’ll do whatever we can to support him in this battle, and we look forward to having him on another A Day on the Green when he’s back in action.”

We all wish Ron Peno the best during this difficult time, and we hope that he makes a speedy recovery.

Check out Died Pretty’s ‘D.C.’

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