Drum ‘n’ bass producer Lenzman shares health update amidst battle with cancer

Netherlands-hailing drum ‘n’ bass producer Lenzman has shared an update on his health, revealing that he is currently battling cancer.

The Metalheadz signee – real name Teije van Vliet – explained in an Instagram post yesterday (July 21) that he was diagnosed with kidney cancer in January 2023, and that he underwent surgery the same week to remove a kidney.

“Unfortunately, it had already spread and isn’t curable,” he explained. “With a wife and two young kids, I was devastated. After recovering from surgery and canceling shows, I eventually returned to DJing—what I love and rely on. Things seemed “under control”.”

Teije went on to explain that he then fell unconscious while at home in August 2023, and was rushed to hospital where he underwent emergency brain surgery.

“Doctors said I likely wouldn’t survive — and if I did, I might suffer brain damage.
Miraculously, I made it. No brain damage. But I lived with part of my skull missing for nine months, wore a protective helmet, and couldn’t travel. My confidence was shattered, and my memory faded.”

By February 2024, Teije underwent reconstructive surgery, and was able to continue performing shows by May. “Immunotherapy helped, and for a while, life felt good again,” he said.

Teije then explained that he suffered an epileptic seizure triggered by the cancer earlier this summer, and was hospitalised for three weeks where he underwent radiotherapy, and had a titanium pin inserted into his leg to allow him to walk.

“There’s much more I could say, but this has easily been the hardest thing my family and I have faced. I’m forever grateful to my wife — my rock — and this is nothing like the life I imagined for us and our kids,” he wrote.

“While I recover from this setback, I still hope to play more shows. The medication is working — and after surviving a brain tumour, I know it’s possible. But I also know it can’t go on forever. No one is promised tomorrow. For now, I’m taking it day by day with my family.”

He continued: “I’ve found inspiration through all of this and have been writing a lot of music. I hope to finish some and share it with you soon. I’d love to see you out there again — please be patient.”

Fellow drum ‘n’ bass artists and friends of Lenzman have shared their well wishes in the comments, including dBridge, DJ Marky, and Doc Scott, who wrote: “Thank you for having the bravery to share your story with everyone and thank you for all the joy you bring to me and to many with your music as an artist and as a label manager.”

Read the full post below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter