John Newman opens up for the first time about his latest brain tumour battle
HE'S facing another round of gruelling surgery, but the soul singer has never appreciated life more
WHEN the news broke earlier this month that John Newman had a brain tumour, his phone was inundated with frantic texts and calls.
But it was nothing the Yorkshire-born singer wasn’t used to.
Just four years ago, John, 26, had surgery to remove a similar tumour – which doctors warned could one day return.
Sadly, the tumour did come back.
Last year, doctors found a growth during a routine MRI scan at London’s National Hospital For Neurology And Neurosurgery.
John – who now faces more surgery in the coming months, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy – kept the bombshell a secret for over a year, choosing only to tell a handful of family and friends.
But as he wraps up his first ever Fabulous shoot, John admits he’s happy that the news is now out after seeing an outpouring of messages.
And there’s one friend in particular who’s keeping his spirits high.
“Calvin [Harris] messaged me saying: ‘I read something in the papers. You alright?’ I told him I was and he replied: ‘OK, good.’”
The musicians forged a bond two years ago before collaborating on Calvin’s hit Blame.
And they recently teamed up again to record Calvin’s reggae-infused track Olé – his rumoured response to ex-girlfriend Taylor Swift’s new romance with Brit actor Tom Hiddleston.
With lyrics including: “I see online that you’ve begun to be a good girl and take trips with your boyfriend,” it hints that the relationships overlapped. But John won’t be pressed on the rumours.
Since finding fame in 2012 when he featured on Rudimental’s tracks Not Giving In and Feel The Love, his debut single Love Me Again reached No.1 and last October his second album Revolve peaked at No.3.
A superstar in the making, John is a force to be reckoned with…
We were shocked to hear about your tumour, John. Do you know yet if it’s cancerous?
They won’t know until they get it out. They can only monitor it by speed of growth. The last tumour grew quicker because it contained cancerous cells. They’ve been monitoring this one, waiting for the right time to remove it. I’m worrying about the six weeks of radiotherapy, which will wipe me out.
How are you feeling now?
Alright. I’ve got my family to talk to. I kind of expected it to come back, as it was so big and bad the first time.
You kept it quiet for a year – are you happy that the secret is out now?
It’s right that I’m bringing attention to brain cancer to raise awareness. There are people in far worse situations than me and I want to give them a bit of hope.
Has it changed your outlook on life?
Yes, 100%. It makes me get up in the morning, go to the studio and work my arse off until midnight. You start living for now, appreciating that and getting the best out of it. It’s quite enlightening.
How did you and Calvin meet?
I was taking the p**s out of the fact that he had bird s**t over his banged-up old car. It was parked outside his studio near where I live. The next minute Calvin walks out and says: “Are you laughing at my car?” We got talking and that was the start of the bromance!
Why are you such good mates?
We’re really honest and tell each other exactly how it is.
You must row a lot then?
All the time. When he played Olé to me I didn’t like it and left in a huff. The next day he said: “We’re doing this track.” If he’s pushy about something, there’s a reason.
Does he pay you well for singing on his track?
Neither of us give a s**t about money. It’s amazing to hear you’ve made money, but it’s just going to my family.
Did you take Calvin out for a heart-to-heart dinner after his break-up with Taylor Swift?
He’s my mate, of course I’m going to be there for him when he needs me. I’ve got so much time for him and love him to bits. He’s fine. He’s an incredibly strong man.
Are you dating again after splitting from glamour model Kayla Cadorna last summer?
There’s a girl that I like, but I’m so busy working! That last relationship f**ked me up quite a lot. As soon as I got out of it I went into crazy work mode and haven’t stopped.
What kind of girls do you go for?
Somebody who cares. I don’t want divas or immature people. I want someone that wants to be part of my life for the right reasons. My mum’s brought me up very well and taught me how to judge people.
Are you still friends with your ex Ella Eyre?
Very much. I love her to bits, but she’s just my mate. Well, she’s a bit like my sister. I know that sounds really weird.
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You’ve spoken in the past about drinking too much and smoking marijuana in your teens. Does it feel nice to be past all that now?
I could not go back to doing that. My head’s too forward- thinking now. I’m starting to go against drinking, as when you get p**sed you’re not fully in control of your career.
What’s the best advice you’ve had from someone more famous than yourself?
A couple of years ago, Chris Martin came up to me and said: “I love your music. The first time I heard Love Me Again I wanted to get into the studio and get writing.” He then added: “Stick to what you do, don’t let anyone ruin you, don’t let anything get to you.” He’s such a lovely guy.
Can you see yourself being a judge on a music reality TV show?
I recently got offered to be [a judge] on The Voice UK. I just like making and releasing music. I think the show is incredible, but I don’t regret saying no. If it’s right it’ll come again in the future.
Olé by Calvin Harris ft John Newman is out now.