Rock star shares painful struggle with 'brutal' health condition that forced him to cancel gigs

A rock starhas admitted his health struggles have taken their toll and "really took the wind out of my sail". Frontman of Bowling For Soup, Jaret Reddick, has candidly opened up on his condition after needing to cancel a string of gigs.

The 53-year-old musician revealed he has been suffering from a "brutal" flare-up of his ulcerative colitis. He admitted it has been causing him issues since March.

According to NHS, the condition is a long-term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed. The organisation says that some people may go for weeks or months with very mild symptoms, or none at all. However, it said that during a flare-up, "some people with ulcerative colitis also experience symptoms elsewhere in their body; which are known as extra-intestinal symptoms".

Taking to social media, the musician shared an update. While sitting in a business class seat on an aeroplane, the singer said: "I fell off the wagon. Many of you have been asking about my health and I appreciate it so much.

"Truth is, the Ulcerative Colitis flare since March has really taken the wind out of my sail. I had to cancel shows, vacation plans, drs appts, and the list goes on.”

He confessed his medication in a bit to manage symptoms had also been causing issues as he went on: "The steroids make me irritable and ravenous. And I hate both those things!!"

However he praised those close to him. "My support system has been so gracious in dealing with all of it," he gushed. Despite his openness, Jaret pleaded with fans to avoid offering him their advice. "I do not need your advice," he reiterated.

"I’m under several doctors' care, but I know it’s social media and you want me to do what you think is best. You don’t know me and you don’t know my health. But thank you."

He admitted he is starting to feel better. And he also confessed he has no intention of slowing down just yet.

After saying he is doing what he can, he said: "This has been a tough year, but also one of the best years of my life. And one of the best years for all things Jaret Reddick!

"Out of the 40 pounds I lost, I gained back 3. I earned it! Haha. I’m back b*****s!! Watch me spin!!"

He also shared that it wasn't just his health that had caused cancellations. His latest concert to mark the July 4 celebrations had been put on ice due to the weather conditions.

He shared: "Due to circumstances out of our control, unfortunately Kerrville's Fourth on the River is cancelled this year." He ended by telling people the the area to stay safe.

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