Green Day had an unfortunate message for fans on Friday: Guitarist Jason White — a longtime touring member who joined the group full-time in 2012 — has tonsil cancer.
"We have some news to report regarding our brother Jason White, and wanted you to hear it from us before word spread," the group wrote on Facebook. "Jason recently underwent a routine tonsillectomy, and his doctors discovered a treatable form of tonsil cancer. Thankfully they caught it early and he should make a full and speedy recovery.
"Please join us in sending him love and positive healing vibes during this time."
Rolling Stone notes that White has been associated with the group for two decades, beginning with a stint in Billie Joe Armstrong's side project Pinhead Gunpowder in the early '90s:
White first joined Green Day onstage in 1999 after being asked to accompany the band as their second guitarist when they toured in support of Warning. White remained a member on all subsequent tours, eventually becoming the lead guitarist when Green Day performs live.
In 2012, White became an official member of the band and received studio credit on GD's album trio ¡Uno!, ¡Dos! and ¡Tre! — He's also played on "secret" side projects Foxboro Hot Tubs and The Network.
The group is officially on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame shortlist, alongside Lou Reed, The Smiths, Nine Inch Nails and Stevie Ray Vaughan (with several others in tow).
Here is where it all began 25 years ago... vote now @rock_hall https://t.co/leFI1ne2kI pic.twitter.com/K1eVy1BQ9v
— Green Day (@GreenDay) October 23, 2014
