triple j’s Lochlan Watt will be taking some time off air as our resident dark prince on THE RACKET in the coming months, to concentrate on smashing a cancer that has grown in his brain.

Doctors discovered a tumour in Lochie’s brain back in February, and after successful surgery in May, further tests revealed that Lochlan had a diffuse grade III glioma, which will require further treatment.

Lochie will now have radiation chemotherapy for the next nine months, in order to eliminate any cancer around where the tumour grew. He’ll be taking that time off to get better. Lochie says:

"This has been a very intense journey, one that has also revealed to me a lot of light in the world. The support has been overwhelming, honestly. I'm happy to have THE RACKET looked after by my good friend Mitch for now, but can't wait to kick him out of the chair in due time."

While he’s away, triple j has got Loch’s back, but his friends have also set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover any of his shortfalls.

The campaign’s been running for about 24 hours so far, and has raised more than $13,000 to give Lochie a bit of extra assistance as he gets back to full strength.

Mitch Alexander is your conductor for all things metal on THE RACKET in the meantime.

triple j wishes Lochlan a speedy recovery, in the most heartfelt and metal way possible.