W.A.S.P.

leader Blackie Lawless has called on fans to 'support' and 'honor' former guitarist Chris Holmes as he battles prostate cancer.

In a social media post on August 1, Lawless wrote: "The entire W.A.S.P.

family are devastated with the news that our Brother and originator, Chris Holmes is now in a serious fight.

We ask that all of you, who have been moved and touched by the Band stand with us all, to support, as well as to honor him with whatever you can do, be it financial, or words of peace and encouragement.

Let him know what he's meant to you.

W.A.S.P.

Nation Support You All !!" Holmes, 68, began chemotherapy in France for prostate cancer following a prior throat surgery.

His wife, Catherine, revealed that an administrative error in their marriage registration placed Holmes under 'emergency only' coverage by France's health system.

This resulted in a three-month delay in receiving care, with only July’s radiotherapy covered.

All subsequent treatments—including hormone therapy, PET scans, biopsies, and blood tests—remain uncovered, accumulating €20,000 in medical debt.

Catherine stated that the bills continue to grow monthly, and Chris must remain in France to avoid losing emergency status.

To cover treatment costs, Holmes has launched a GoFundMe campaign with a €50,000 goal.

As of now, nearly €20,000 has been donated.

The campaign highlights that Chris has not been able to work due to his medical condition and cannot travel abroad.

In April, Holmes canceled his previously announced UK and Scandinavia tour for May 2026, citing health issues.

His wife confirmed the cancellation was due to a 'minor prostate issue' already being treated.

Holmes joined W.A.S.P.

in 1982 and returned in 1996, remaining with the band until 2001.

Despite not playing with the group since, he has long emphasized his role in shaping the band’s early sound.

In a 2021 interview with SiriusXM, he stated that W.A.S.P.

was initially a group but became a 'one-man show' after the first album.

He credited Blackie Lawless with convincing him to join, saying: 'I've got this band.

It's not gonna work unless you're in it.' In February 2022, after Holmes was diagnosed with throat and neck cancer, Lawless expressed optimism about a positive outcome.

However, Holmes later criticized the lack of support from W.A.S.P.

members, noting that while fellow musicians like Rob Halford and Richie Faulkner sent messages of encouragement, no one from W.A.S.P.

reached out.

Lawless denied claims that Holmes was underpaid, stating: 'I haven't seen what you're talking about.

The answer I'm giving you right now is based on what you just said to me.' During a 2017 Moscow press conference, Lawless said: 'People get divorced for certain reasons...

and this is one of those times.

Sorry.'"