Independent film company Oscilloscope Laboratories said Tuesday that it’s business as usual as the company deals with founder Adam Yauch’s cancer diagnosis.
Yauch, also a founding member of rap group the Beastie Boys, said that a cancerous tumor in his salivary gland will force the cancellation of the band’s upcoming concerts but will bring no changes at Oscilloscope.
"In light of the information released today regarding the postponement of Beastie Boys upcoming tour and album, Oscillosope Laboratories wants to let the independent film world know that its business as usual at the company," said a spkokeswoman for the company.
Yauch posted a video on the Beasties’ website Monday saying that he had been diagnosed with the tumor but that the cancer is "very treatable in most cases." He added that it is localized in his neck and not affecting his vocal chords.
"I apologize to everybody, for anyone who’s made plans or was psyched to come to these shows that are coming up," Yauch said. "We’ll be back doing this, so that’s what’s up."
Yauch added that he expects to have surgery next week, and would follow that with radiation treatment.
As a result of the diagnosis, the Beastie Boys will push back the release of their upcoming album "Hot Sauce Committee Part 1," the group’s record label EMI said. The album had previously been set for release on September 15, and the tour would have supported its launch. No new dates were set.
Though the surgery and treatment will prevent him from performing his standard duties with his band, Yauch is expected to return to Oscilloscope within a few weeks of surgery. In a statement issued by Oscilloscope, Yauch even joked that he would have more time than ever to look at screeners and possible projects.
The company has been very busy since Yauch started it last year, having already released 11 movies. It currently has three movies out — "Treeless Mountain," "Unmistaken Child" and "Burma VJ" — and another five in its docket. Among those yet to debut is Michel Gondry’s next film — "L’Epine Dans Le Coeur" ("The Thorn in the Heart").
Yauch said he started feeling a lump in his throat about two months ago and he recently checked with a doctor and was diagnosed with the cancerous growth in his left salivary gland and an adjacent lymph node.
His record label said Yauch was diagnosed with the tumor last week.
