by Jamie Bullen

A guitarist with iconic Canterbury prog rock band Gizmo believes his love of music may have given him a rare brain tumour.

Martin Reed, 48, of High Street, Herne Bay, was putting the finishing touches to the group’s latest album when he started suffering severe headaches.

Doctors initially diagnosed him with sinusitis, but when the headaches continued he realised his illness was more serious.

He sought a second opinion and was told he had a rare tennis ball-sized tumour behind his right eye - a kind seen in many musicians.

Doctors said he needed an operation to remove it or he would be dead in two weeks.

He had the surgery and is now receiving treatment in London after a course of chemotherapy.

He says experts told him only 4% of tumours match his one, but other sufferers have included a pianist, opera singer and jazz saxophonist.

The dad-of-two described his ordeal as an “emotional rollercoaster” but was looking forward to returning to play with the band, which has been based in Canterbury since 1975.

Martin Reed with his fellow bandmates in Gizmo

He said: “I was literally two weeks from death.

“I’m just amazed I got through it. My kids are still trying to come to terms with it.

“When you’re told it’s everyone else’s world that falls apart. I just said okay, what do I need to do?

"i’m just amazed i got through it. my kids are still trying to come to terms with it.
" – musician martin reed

“I’m still undergoing treatment but I’m determined to get back playing the guitar - it has been such a whirlwind.

“It is both frightening and frustrating for this to happen with our new album. I started feeling ill right at the final stages.

“Strangely I was told that it is prevalent in musicians so I don’t know if there is a link with my guitar. I’m sure someone, somewhere has done some research but no one knows why it is.”

Mr Reed says he feared having part of his brain removed would affect his guitar playing.

He said: “I was worried after my operation that I wouldn’t know how to play but it feels fantastic.

“I haven’t got a lot of physical strength so I can only play for about 25 minutes, but it feels easier now than it ever did.”

Gizmo’s new album was released on October 26, and is available on CD and limited edition vinyl. For more information visit www.gizmo.uk.com.