The world of music is in mourning today, with news that English drummer Andy Anderson has passed away at age 68.

As Rolling Stone reports, Andy Anderson took to social media last week to reveal that he had been diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer.

“I am and I have Terminal 4 Cancer, and their is no way of returning back from that, it’s totally covering the inside of my body, and I’m totally fine and aware of my situation,” Anderson explained.

“No Boo, Hooing, here, just be positive, for me it’s just another life Experience and Hurdle, that one has to make yet another Choice in life, be cool, I most definitely am and positive about the situation.”

While the news was undoubtedly heartbreaking for fans of the drummer, it was revealed earlier today that Anderson had now passed away, with Lol Tolhurst, a former founding member of The Cure, confirming the news.

“It’s with a heavy heart, I have to report the passing of a Cure brother,” Tolhurst explained.

“Andy Anderson was A true gentleman and a great musician with a wicked sense of humor which he kept until the end, a testament to his beautiful spirit on the last journey. We are blessed to have known him.”

It's with a heavy heart, I have to report the passing of a Cure brother.

Andy Anderson was A true gentleman and a great musician with a wicked sense of humor which he kept until the end, a testament to his beautiful spirit on the last journey. We are blessed to have known him. — Lol Tolhurst (@LolTolhurst) February 26, 2019

Andy Anderson first rose to fame in the early ’80s as a member of The Cure following Lol Tolhurst’s decision to switch to keyboards.

Anderson remained with the band for only a short time, but appeared on albums such as The Top, compilation album Japanese Whispers (featuring on iconic single ‘The Love Cats’), and 1984’s fittingly-titled live album, Concert.

In addition to his work with The Cure, Anderson had also been a member of Hawkwind, and had served as a session musician for a number of big-name acts, including Iggy Pop, Peter Gabriel, Isaac Hayes, Mike Oldfield, and even Australia’s Jason Donovan.

In related news, The Cure are set to appear in Australia this May as part of Sydney’s Vivid LIVE celebrations. Check out the tour dates below.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Andy Anderson, as well as his former bandmates and musical colleagues.

Check out The Cure’s ‘The Love Cats’:

The Cure Vivid LIVE 2019 Dates

The ballot is open now until Sunday 24th February (11:59pm AEDT).

Friday, 24th May

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW

Saturday, 25th May

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW

Monday, 27th May

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW

Tuesday, 28th May

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW