Joey Spampinato Diagnosed with Cancer

NRBQ founder Joey Spampinato has been diagnosed with cancer. The bassist, who has more recently been touring with his band The Spampinato Brothers, will be going on a rigorous 12-month treatment plan. The news was broken via a YouCaring Crowdfunding page by his wife, Kami.

“Joey has been diagnosed with cancer. It’s not stage four. We are grateful for that,” she writes. “As it stands, we are on a 12-month treatment plan. Joey begins 24 hour chemotherapy in a few days. For about 6 weeks. He will also receive radiation every weekday for 6 weeks. After a break to recover and regain some strength, he will have surgery. After he recovers from surgery they will do more tests. Then, if everything goes as planned, the last half of the year will be six more months of chemo.”

Spampinato helped found NRBQ in 1967, blending rockabilly, pop, and jazz for an eclectic and electric style. The band recorded over 30 albums together and was featured in The Simpsons, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, and 28 Days. He has also worked with Keith Richards, Bonnie Raitt, and Eric Clapton among others.

We’re wishing a speedy recovery to Joey Spampinato!