Voyager frontman’s shock cancer diagnosis forces Aussie Eurovision heroes to cancel return to Europe

Voyager frontman Danny Estrin’s dream to ride their Eurovision wave with a European tour now on hold as he undergoes urgent treatment.

Australia’s valiant Eurovision contestants Voyager have been forced to cancel a triumphant return to Europe to tour next month after a shock cancer diagnosis for keytar-playing frontman Danny Estrin.

Estrin, who requires immediate treatment, shared the devastating news with the band’s legion of fans worldwide on Thursday.

The psychedelic synth metal band was due to kick off their European tour in support of their latest record Fearless in Love in Germany, where Estrin was born, on October 1.

“Last week I was dealt some life-altering news: I’ve been diagnosed with a form of cancer that requires immediate treatment,” the rocker said.

“I am absolutely devastated that we cannot perform on our forthcoming European tour, especially after this incredible Eurovision year we’ve had.

Voyager frontman Danny Estrin (centre) requires urgent cancer treatment. Picture: Supplied.

“I am on strict doctors’ orders to not take this lightly, put my health first and get this sorted so that we can be on stage again as soon as possible. This has been an extremely hard decision to make, but one that everyone will hopefully understand.”

It has been Estrin’s dream for Voyager to represent Australia on the Eurovision stage since we were invited to perform at the world’s biggest singing contest in 2015.

He revelled in the challenge of taking the band’s unique “progressive epic pop synth metal” to the Eurovision stage via their song Promise, which has almost 10 million Spotify streams.

The band won thousands of hearts in the diehard Eurovision community for their song and stagecraft.

Estrin and band members Simone Dow, Scott Kay, Ash Doodkorte and Alex Canion were also among the most popular and approachable acts with fans and fellow contestants at the contest in Liverpool in the UK in May.

They finished the competition in a respectable ninth place in the grand final and won their semi-final.

Estrin thrilled the Eurovision crowd with his keytar skills in Liverpool. Picture: Supplied / EBU.

They were shocked by the strong jury vote which put them into sixth place before the fan votes. Metal bands don’t typically poll highly with the experts.

“Top 10! We are a progressive epic pop synth metal band from Western Australia and we made it into the top 10 of Eurovision. It’s a big deal,” Estrin said.

“The juries aren’t normally into metal or heavy music but wow.; for artists who have been doing this for a long time, that was a big pat on the back.”

Estrin is also an immigration lawyer in Perth who assists migrants with visa issues.

Voyager plan to go ahead with their Australian tour in February if Estrin’s health improves.

“Danny and his bandmates Alex, Ashley, Scott, and Simone, request privacy at this difficult time, and will not undertake any media engagements until further notice,” a statement issued on behalf of the band said.

“For now, Voyager’s Australian tour is going ahead however It is too early to know yet what the forthcoming weeks/months will hold. The band will endeavour to communicate with fans as soon as possible.”

Fans are encouraged to support the band via their Patreon and merchandise store.

Originally published as Voyager frontman’s shock cancer diagnosis forces Aussie Eurovision heroes to cancel return to Europe