Acclaimed producer James Ford shares Leukaemia diagnosis
Ford, who has masterminded every single Arctic Monkeys album since 2007's 'Favourite Worst Nightmare', is now undergoing chemotherapy.
By Nick Reilly
Acclaimed producer and songwriter James Ford has announced he has started treatment after receiving a diagnosis of Acute Leukaemia.
Ford, who has produced every Arctic Monkeys album since 2007’s Favourite Worst Nightmare, shared that he had been feeling “pretty rough” in the run-up to Christmas 2024 before he eventually received a diagnosis.
“I was feeling pretty rough in the run up to Christmas suspecting burnout but on Xmas eve things took a turn for the worse,” he wrote on Instagram.
“I had a scary few weeks where I was very ill and they didn’t know what was wrong with me, but finally I got a diagnosis. I have AML (Acute Leukemia) It’s a huge shock and while it’s very clear in my mind how serious this is, it is curable, and as of today I’m starting pretty aggressive chemo to treat it.”
“I’m in Barts Hospital, who are world leaders in leukaemia treatments, and I’ve had excellent care from our wonderful NHS, both initially in Canterbury Hospital before being moved here to Barts just last week.
“I’m very aware that it’s gonna be a bumpy road ahead but I’m confident, upbeat, and ready to fight and I hope to be out the other side of the initial treatment in 6-8 months time.”
Ford, who is also one half of the duo Simian Mobile Disco, went on to explain how the diagnosis would impact his in-demand schedule. ”Needless to say, I’ve had to clear my work diary which has meant putting on hold a lot of very exciting musical projects I was eager to get stuck into,” he said.
“Whilst this is a massive shame, I know they will go on to deliver great records with whoever takes the reins, and I wish them all the best.
I am really looking forward to getting back into the studio in my own time so that I can once again work on the music that is dear to me.
“I want to express the deepest possible gratitude to my family, friends and colleagues who have been so supportive at this difficult time, particularly my wife Sereen and all the NHS staff who’ve looked me so brilliantly.”
Commenting on the post, Alexa Chung said she was sending Ford “lots of love and good vibes”.
Other well-wishers included Jessie Ware, Metronomy and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, with the latter commenting that “it sounds like you are in very safe hands”.
Ford is considered to be one of the most influential and in-demand producers in the last 20 years, masterminding records from Blur, Depeche Mode, Haim, Gorillaz, Kylie Minogue and The Pet Shop Boys.
In 2024, he was also at the helm for the acclaimed debut album from The Last Dinner Party and Romance, the lauded fourth album from Fontaines DC.