Billy Zoom, the gifted guitarist of L.A. punk pioneers X, has been diagnosed with an aggressive bladder cancer; the 67-year-old musician and producer will begin chemo next week.

Zoom won’t be able to join X for its forthcoming tour dates, but the band will do the shows with a substitute guitarist and, joined by The Blasters and Mike Watt, will use the dates to support the ailing axeman and his family. Support Billy Zoom's Kick Cancer Fight, an online fund, will assist with medical costs; as of this writing it’s nearly reached a quarter of its goal.

A statement from X reads:

In the music community, we all take turns helping each other.
Punk rock and benefits: you name the cause, and the bands and fans will be there.

Now it's our turn to help Billy Zoom, the wittiest, smartest, nicest, best guitar player & friend we know. We would do anything to help him get better, help take care of his family, and lessen his woes.

Please keep Billy in your prayers and send some positive energy his way!

Donating a few bucks will take away some of his financial stress and worry.

And it's the punk rock thing to do.

We wish this wonderful player and true gentleman the very best. Our thoughts are with him and his family.