A bit of sad news was revealed yesterday as the British electronic dubstep producer and DJ, Rusko, announced that he has been diagnosed with a form of stomach cancer. The cancer is called gastric lymphoma and is rare, but treatable. Christopher Mercer, who goes by his stage name Rusko, took to Twitter to share the news.

Unfortunately, the diagnosis and treatment going forward will force him to cancel a pretty exciting year planned. He announced that he is heading back to the UK for treatment and therefore can’t fulfil his summer tour dates. Rusko said that he does have a bunch of new music planned to be released this year, which is exciting, but hampered by the worrisome news.

Rusko has been a veteran presence in the electro dubstep scene and a huge pioneer. He began with his Fabric37Live album, which helped bring original UK dubstep to the forefront back in 2007. To the delight of his fans, he has recently been reunited with his Fabric37Live collaborator, Caspa, doing shows and festivals together for the past year. Rusko has always been very organic and a true artist in the dubstep genre. All of his work has always been open about being influenced from all of the original jungle, garage, and UK bass music before it. With a lot of the music trending towards the more EDM and trap music, Rusko always wanted to stay true to the more stripped back UK sound.

Rusko has also always been very adamant about servicing the fans. Back in 2012, after conflicts with his record label, he decided to self-release his EP “KAPOW” so that fans could get the music completely free and in the easiest way possible.

Rusko’s contributions to the genre and his genuine care about the artistry of his music has been evident with all of his past actions in his career. The news of his diagnosis makes it all just that much more heartbreaking. However, Rusko seems to be keeping a positive outlook and is exciting to share new music in the coming months. Best wishes out to him and a speedy recovery.

UPDATE / NEWS pic.twitter.com/MEO9QsYKcg

— rusko (@ruskoofficial) May 4, 2017