QUICK TAKES - July 21, 2009

One of the year’s most anticipated album/tour campaigns has been pushed back indefinitely because of an announcement from the Beastie Boys’ camp Monday that band member Adam “MCA” Yauch has been diagnosed with a cancerous tumor.

Last week, Yauch was found to have a tumor in his left parotid, or salivary, gland, according to record label EMI Music. “Luckily it was caught early and is localized in one area, and as such is considered very treatable,” the label said in a statement. “It will however require surgery and several weeks of additional treatment. Fortunately the cancer is not in a location that will affect Yauch’s vocal cords.

“Beastie Boys have canceled all upcoming concert appearances to allow time for Yauch’s surgery and recovery. The release of the band’s forthcoming album ‘Hot Sauce Committee Part 1’ will also be pushed back.”

Yauch’s illness will scrap dates slated for summer festivals such as Chicago’s Lollapalooza and San Francisco’s Outside Lands as well as the band’s debut at the Hollywood Bowl, scheduled for Sept. 24.

Yauch originally made the announcement via YouTube, where he did his best to maintain a sense of humor about the diagnosis: “It’s a pain in the neck -- sorry had to say it -- because I was really looking forward to playing these shows, but the doctors have made it clear that this is not the kind of thing that can be put aside to deal with later.”

-- Scott T. Sterling