Brisbane-based indie band Bugs is navigating a challenging period as bassist Jordan Brunoli, diagnosed with stage-four colorectal cancer, faces a prognosis of only weeks to live. Brunoli, who turned 30 this year, revealed in an Instagram post last month that treatments had failed to halt the spread of his illness, with doctors giving him a prognosis of three to four months from June.
The diagnosis came after Brunoli, 29 at the time, first noticed symptoms including blood in his stool and severe stomach pain. He has since undergone major surgery that resulted in a permanent stoma, followed by intensive chemotherapy. However, a rapid tumor growth mutation inherent to his cancer has rendered these treatments ineffective, leading to his current focus on palliative care to manage pain.
The release of Bugs’ fourth album, *Head Noise*, last month thus carried a bittersweet tone. The album’s creation spanned over three years but was suddenly accelerated following Brunoli’s diagnosis. Frontman and guitarist Connor Brooker described this as a difficult but motivating factor. “All of the bad news has kind of given us a bit of a boot up the backside to get moving and get it out,” Brooker said.
Brunoli continues to participate in band rehearsals ahead of two sold-out album launch shows at Crowbar Brisbane — a venue significant to the group’s early history. Despite chronic fatigue and physical limitations—including managing his guitar while accommodating his stoma—he remains determined to perform. “It’s very tiring,” Brunoli admitted, noting that he must be careful not to overstimulate nerves that cause him pain.
Brunoli also disclosed he recently received an offer to join a medical trial involving extreme chemotherapy targeting his tumor’s mutation. While uncertain about pursuing this, he said he has experienced some improvement since pausing treatment, though the underlying cancer continues to progress. His current days largely consist of managing pain without falling into dependence on painkillers.
The band’s dynamic remains close-knit, with bassist Brunoli, Brooker, and drummer Brock Weston connecting regularly, mixing rehearsal time with conversation and camaraderie. Weston reflected on their longstanding friendship, recalling moments such as Brunoli’s support during personal hardships and recalling their shared history spanning more than a decade.
Community support for Brunoli has been significant. Following a fundraiser concert at the Tivoli in October and a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $100,000 to assist with medical expenses, the band has felt the impact of widespread goodwill. Brooker attributed the strong public response to Brunoli’s approachable and genuine personality.
As the band prepares for their upcoming shows, the members express both hope and realism. Brunoli acknowledges the emotional weight of the situation but finds meaning in spending time with his bandmates and making music. He views the live performances as a meaningful occasion to share with friends and fans, while also expressing concern about the uncertainty that will follow.