The metal community rallies around one of its most influential heroes as Megadeth are forced to cancel all 2019 shows

On June 17, Megadeth co-founder and frontman Dave Mustaine announced he’s been diagnosed with throat cancer.

“It’s clearly something to be respected and faced head on – but I’ve faced obstacles before,” Mustaine wrote in a statement on the band’s website. “I’m working closely with my doctors, and we’ve mapped out a treatment plan which they feel has a 90% success rate. Treatment has already begun.”

The metal and hard rock community launched into an outpour of support for Mustaine, with a slew of artists including Slash, Anthrax, Body Count and Judas Priest took to twitter to offer their well wishes for a speedy recovery.

Dystopia earned Megadeth their first GRAMMY win for Best Metal Performance at the 59th GRAMMY Awards after 12 career nominations.

“Dave’s a warrior, he’s a fighter, and he’s got pretty good sensibilities about when to hit the gas and when to hit the brake,” said Megadeth bassist and co-founder David Ellefson, calling in to the Classic Metal Show. “So it’s what it needs to be right at this exact time,”