According to reports, Fowley is about to have bladder cancer surgery and he doesn't know if he will survive the operation. In an interview with Rock Cellar Magazine Fowley said, “In two weeks I'm going to have bladder cancer surgery and there's a good chance that I might die. Part of me hopes I do die.

“Man, I've had cancer four times in my life, pneumonia nine times and polio twice. I would say that I'm due. If I die, it will be somebody else's turn to be kicked around and disliked.”

Cancer four times?! Jeesh. That sure puts life into perspective. Rock Cellar cites Fowley’s Facebook page, where the characteristically bombastic producer writes: “I have battled and won against prostate cancer/melanoma, skin caner/basal cell ear cancer/bladder cancer. It helps me to be in showbiz – because I can pass on this stress to my unsuspecting enemies.

“Warriors often win against the Death Machine. Be brave everybody when it becomes your turn to fight for your right to party in your designated lifetime.”

Rock Cellar notes that Fowley has amassed 16 gold or platinum records, working with the likes of the Plastic Ono Band, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Blue Oyster Cult, Helen Reddy, Kiss, Guns ‘n. Roses, Poison and Alice Cooper. Talk about eclectic.

But he is best known as the Svengali-like force behind the Runaways, which put Joan Jett and Lita Ford on the rock map (hit song: “Cherry Bomb”), as illustrated by the above-mentioned film (which you should see, BTW, if you haven’t already).

Trivia: The Runaways film is directed by Hamilton, ON’s own Floria Sigismondi, an artist best known for directing music videos by Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, David Bowie, Page & Plant, and Marilyn Manson among dozens of others.

As for Fowley, we wish him the best; his impact on music can’t be overstated.