Voyager singer and frontman Danny Estrin has been diagnosed with cancer.
Estrin, whose band represented Australia in Eurovision this year, made the announcement on social media on Thursday.
The 41-year-old Jewish musician and former lawyer co-founded the prog rock band in 1999 and has performed with them since.
He revealed his band's upcoming European tour had been postponed until October 2024 so he could focus on his recovery.
In a statement on Instagram, Estrin wrote: “Hi everyone, Danny here. Last week I was dealt some life-altering news: I’ve been diagnosed with cancer that requires immediate treatment.
"I am absolutely devastated that we cannot perform on our forthcoming European tour, especially after this incredible Eurovision year we've had.
“I am on strict doctors’ orders to not take this lightly, put my health first and get this sorted so we can be on stage again as soon as possible."
Estrin said that postponing the tour had been “an extremely hard decision to make, but one that everyone will hopefully understand.”
Many of Estrin’s friends were quick to offer him their well wishes. British metal singer Ross Jennings said: “Sending you love and healing brother. Wishing you a full and swift recovery.”
“Brother, all the love and all the best! All the power and energy that you need. We love you!',” added German rock band Lord of the Lost.
It comes after Voyager finished 9th in the 2023 Eurovision song competition in Liverpool. The official Eurovision account said on Instagram of Estrin’s news: “Danny, you made so many friends in Liverpool – all of us are here for you, sending all our love.”
The Voyager singer has spoken openly about his Jewish background, saying earlier this year that "being Jewish is a significant part of my identity."
Asked by the Australian Jewish News whether his Jewish ancestry influences him in any way, Estrin said he understands what being Jewish in the cultural sense is about mostly thanks to his father.
Estrin added: “I feel ‘jewbilation’ when I meet other people of Jewish origin." He also said: “I deeply treasure Jewish humour and the uplifting melancholy that comes with it.”
Estrin’s love of music can be traced back to 1992, when he and his family migrated to Australia. He recalled: “The Russian/Jewish ancestry barely made it into the equation – the bullies’ minds would have exploded – they were too busy engraving swastikas into my locker.
“So instead of playing sports, I hid in the music centre and listened to extreme metal.”
