Guitarist Ben Matthews Undergoing Cancer Treatment

Thunder guitarist Ben Matthews is undergoing cancer treatment after doctors discovered cancerous cells in his throat while having his tonsils removed.

Breaking the news to fans in a message on Thunder’s Facebook.com page, the stars write: “As you will remember Ben had his tonsils removed a while ago. Unfortunately, the surgeon found some ‘extra’ matter attached to one of them, and after some tests, it was subsequently found to be malignant. In effect, he has cancer, and needs treatment, which will mean a course of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

“Whilst the treatment is not pleasant, we’re told the percentage chances of a happy outcome are ‘in the high 90s’. We’ll update you when we have some more news. In the meantime please join us in wishing him well.”

Musician Peter Shoulder has stepped in to temporarily replace Matthews in the Thunder line-up.