Karl Tremblay started the biggest fight of his life. The singer of the popular band Les Cowboys Fringants announced on Tuesday that he has been suffering from prostate cancer since January 2020. “No one knows the future. The only thing we know is that we’re all going to leave one day. But in the meantime, we are alive, ”he said in a video shared on social networks.
It was through a press release that the Cowboys Fringants record company, La Tribu, first announced the news publicly on Tuesday morning. It mentioned that the 45-year-old singer was suffering from cancer and that the group’s show schedule might undergo changes in the coming months, depending on the singer’s physical condition.
In his video, Karl Tremblay clarified that he was ready to break this news to the public and fans, as he has started chemotherapy treatments. “And in the next few weeks, I’m going to lose my hair and my beard. Of course, it’s still hair and beard. This is not the end of the world. It’s part of the treatment. »
He added that he hoped to be able to continue giving concerts “if my health allows it, if my voice allows it”. “Maybe I’ll have less hair on stage. But the heart and the desire to make you spend magnificent evenings with my companions and my fellow troubadours of the Cowboys for the past 25 years will always be there. »
Busy schedule
The Cowboys Fringants tour schedule is very busy for the next few weeks. There are about thirty dates by the end of the year. In the next few days, the group must participate in several festivals, notably in Sorel (July 22), Roberval (July 30), Rimouski (August 4) and Lévis (August 7). A visit to Europe is also planned for September.
It is therefore with his head held high that Karl Tremblay intends to lead his fight against cancer. “I am now part of this family of people who have to fight every day against this disease which is unfortunately obvious in the world in which we live today. »
The singer, father of two daughters he had with Cowboys multi-instrumentalist Marie-Annick Lépine, said he hopes the public will continue to respect his need for privacy, “to live it our way”.
Surgery in 2020
In early January 2020, Les Cowboys Fringants had announced that they were to postpone the concerts scheduled for January, February and March of that year. The group had indicated that Karl Tremblay suffered from two hernias and that he had to undergo surgery. We can assume that it was during this episode that the singer learned the terrible news of his cancer.
“Sometimes the doc will come / Give me my results / And I’ll know whether or not / I have a chance of recovery”, sang Karl Tremblay in 2008 on the very touching song Heads up. The singer surely had no idea that these words would be premonitory a dozen years later.
- Listen to the cultural chronicle with Anaïs Guertin-Lacroix at the microphone of Vincent Dessureault on QUB radio:
A wave of support
“All my love my friend. The whole family here sends you courage and positive energy. The dignity you show moves us and inspires us. Our hearts go out to you and the big Cowboys family. We love you Karl, we are thinking of you. »
– Vincent Vallieres
“Good luck Karl, I send you lots of love. And know that you can be very beautiful without hair. »
-Martin Matte
“A huge dose of love, strength and courage towards you and your family Karl! »
– Justine Laberge-Vaugeois (Alfa Rococo)
“We are thinking of you my brother xxx”
– Emile Bilodeau
“All my good vibes of courage and serenity! xx »
– Jean-Thomas Jobin
“A ton of love and positive thoughts from our entire family. ❤️ »
– Pierre Hebert
” Full of love. I love you xxxxxxx »
– Mara Tremblay
“From dashing cowboy to dashing warrior!” Courage my dear, you are strong! »
-Arnaud Soly
“Karl, I love you. For all time. Good luck. »
– Domlebo (former Cowboys drummer)
“Full of energy for you Karl. »
– Messmer
“Good luck cowboy! »
– Fabien Cloutier