Stryper guitarist Oz Fox will likely have to undergo several medical procedures to shrink the tumors that were discovered after his onstage seizure more than a year ago.
According to Oz‘s wife, Annie Lobért, the tumor behind the ear has grown from 2.2 by 1.7 centimeters on August 12, 2018 to 2.7 by 1.7 centimeters on July 23, 2019. Fox‘s doctor has recommended radiation as soon as possible because if the tumor grows to three centimeters, it will be no longer able to be treated with radiation. If the tumor grows beyond three centimeters, an operation to remove it will cause facial palsy (part of Oz‘s face will appear to droop) and it will be a tough and risky surgery to recover from. The radiation side effects will give Ozp ermanent hearing loss completely in one ear and possibly facial palsy. There is also a tiny risk the tumor will grow from radiation. But if the tumor isn’t dealt with, it will continue to grow and cause hearing loss, balance, vision and spinal problems.
As for the tumor in the back of Oz‘s brain, it has grown from 27.77 millimeters by 30.53 millimeters on August 12, 2018 to 35.1 by 33.8 millimeters on July 23, 2019. That tumor is in the area where left side of his arms, hands and body operate. The risk to remove it will affect the upper left motor function and potential ability to recognize faces, objects. This tumor cannot be treated by radiation alone, like the first one. Oz will first undergo a biopsy to find out what kind of tumor it is. If surgery looks like the only option, Oz will then undergo a combination of chemotherapy and radiation to stop the growth.
Fox shared Lobért‘s update on his medical status in a Facebook post on Friday (August 23). In an accompanying message, he wrote: “First of all, I would like to say thank you for all of the prayers and continued support. I couldn’t think of having this journey without all of you in my life.
“Today the report from the doctor was a little less than I expected. But whatever! I truly, truly believe that God has a plan for all of this. He has come through for me so many times in my life.
“I’m not going to worry about this at all. But I have to face facts. I’m not getting any younger. I have to start thinking about what to do with my time and better manage it.
“My wife, close family and close friends know me to be a chill person. So, really, I’m chilling out about all the stupid stuff. The Stryper band and staff is being very supportive. They have been so awesome through all this! I love them dearly! Same goes for my boys from Sin City Sinners and Hart Attack. And a big shout-out to all my new Las Vegas family who are always encouraging me and are always concerned for my well-being. Of course to all of you around the world offering your prayers and positive words, thank you.
“I will be in South America soon and other dates in the U.S. will be coming up. I’m looking forward to seeing all the awesome fans! After that, one day at a time.”
Fox suffered a seizure on August 11, 2018 while performing with Sin City Sinners at Harrah’s in Las Vegas. Stryper subsequently toured Australia and Japan as a three-piece, and later recruited Howie Simon (Jeff Scott Soto, Graham BonnetE to fill in while Fox was unable to go on the road.
Upcoming Shows
SEPT 7 @ TEATRO DEL HOTEL GUARANI, PARAGUAY
SEPT 10 @ CC FESTIVA, LIMA, PERU
SEPT 12 @ TEATTRO CAUPOLICAN, SANTIAGO, CHILE
SEPT 14 @ TROPICAL BUTANTA, SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
SEPT 15 @ CIRCO VOADOR, RIO DE JANIERO
SEPT 17 @ TOINHA BRASIL SHOW, BRASILIA, BRAZIL
SEPT 19 @ MISTER ROCK, BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL
SEPT 21 @ TEATRO FLORES, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
SEPT 28 @ H-E-B CENTER, CEDAR PARK, TX
OCT 9 @ ARIZONA STATE FAIR, PHOENIX, AZ
OCT 10, @ WHISKY A GO GO, HOLLYWOOD, CA
OCT 19 @ TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO SHOWROOM VERONA, NY NEW DATE!
FEB 8-13, @ MONSTERS OF ROCK CRUISE, COZUMEL & BELIZE
The band’s latest album “God Damn Evil” has been released on April 20 via Frontiers Music Srl. Produced by frontman Michael Sweet, it is Stryper‘s most powerful album to date,
“God Damn Evil” debuts at #1 on Billboard’s Christian Album Sales, #2 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums, #3 on Billboard’s Top Current Hard Music Albums, #5 on Billboard’s Top Independent Current Albums, #7 on Billboard’s Top Current Rock Albums, #12 on Billboard’s Top Current Physical Albums, #14 on Billboard’s Top Current Albums, #21 on Billboard’s Top Current Digital Albums and #77 on Billboard Top 200. In addition, “God Damn Evil” soared to #1 on the iTunes and Amazon Hard Rock charts immediately upon release.
The follow-up to 2015’s “Fallen” marks Stryper‘s first effort since the addition of former Firehouse bassist Perry Richardson. Perry joined the band as the replacement for Stryper‘s longtime bassist Tim Gaines, who was fired from the group last year.
Perry did not play bass on Stryper‘s new album due to scheduling constraints. The bass tracks on “God Damn Evil”were laid down by John O’Boyle, who played bass on Sweet‘s last two solo albums.
Our review of “God Damn Evil” can be found here.
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