Dharamsala, July 21 – A longtime supporter of Tibet and member of Beastie Boys, Adam Yauch, said he is battling with a rare but ‘treatable’ cancer.

Yauch, a Buddhist and supporter of Tibetan cause, has lent his popularity to raise awareness about the Tibet issue. His groups’ upcoming album release and tour have been postponed for his treatment.

Adam Yauch co-founded the Tibetan Freedom Concert which has helped bring worldwide awareness to the Tibetans situation through the help of music. Compiling some of the most talented and influential artists around the world, the Tibetan Freedom Concert had been participated by U2, REM, The Smashing Pumpkins, Patti Smith, Alanis Morissette, Pearl Jam, Blur, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Lee Hooker, Sonic Youth, Porno For Pyros, among many others.


Yauch, also known as MCA, revealed in a video statement that he has cancer in one salivary gland, and will undergo surgery. Beastie Boys was scheduled to play at a number of festivals this summer in the United States, but the tour has been put on hold while Yauch receives treatment. Thousands of fans have been posting messages of support for Yauch on the band's website.

The Beastie Boys got their start in the 1970s as a punk rock band, but made a move to rap in the late 1980s becoming the world's first successful white rap band. The upcoming album is called Hot Sauce Committee Part One. In the past, they have had four number one hit songs, which some might say were well deserved for this hard-working band. Yauch was diagnosed with the cancer last week. Yauch said his cancer was very treatable and he anticipated a quick recovery.