One of the stars from the popular show, Hey Hey It’s Saturday, has recently received a diagnosis of the same type of cancer that also afflicts fellow star, John Blackman, and legendary singer, John Farnham.
As an ardent admirer, I couldn’t help but share the personal health update from Wilbur Wilde, the soulful saxophonist of our beloved show’s house band. On a solemn Monday, he confided that after a regular dental exam, he received a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma.
The 69-year-old musician has subsequently had part of his tongue and mouth removed.
‘It was a shock,’ he told the Herald Sun.
Instead of admitting fear, I chose to evaluate situations based on their own worth, as not managing them wasn’t a viable choice for me.
Wilbur revealed his dentist first spotted the suspicious discolouration in his mouth in 2022.
Following its persistent presence, a biopsy was arranged and, about a week afterward, the test results were received, indicating that it was indeed cancer.
In early 2023, he had part of his tongue and the base of his mouth surgically taken out, which accounted for about one-third of his tongue.
In another part of the conversation, Wilbur expressed his worry that the operation might affect his capacity for speaking and playing his musical instrument.
On the day following the treatment, upon my doctor’s visit for a check-up, I managed to say to him with admiration, “You’re quite skilled; I can still correctly identify an anesthesiologist.
Wilbur said he has been told he is ‘cancer clear’ and his speech rehabilitation is going well.
Following the funeral of his friend and Hey Hey It’s Saturday colleague, John Blackman, who passed away in 2024, Wilde took part.
Last year in June, Blackman passed away at the age of 76, after a difficult fight against cancer that included surgery to remove his jaw.
As a devoted admirer, I felt incredibly humbled when both Cecile and Tiffany, the cherished family members of my beloved friend, graciously invited me to officiate their farewell ceremony. This heartfelt moment still resonates with me deeply.
‘He was a father figure, a hero, a comedy doctor, an attitude coach and a dear friend,’ he added.
As a die-hard fan, let me reiterate what I’ve stated before: “Without Blacker, there would be no Hey Hey. He transformed a children’s program into an engaging spectacle for adults. His trailblazing spirit paved the way for everyone who followed.
The children’s program remained enjoyable, yet had an edge that appealed to adults too, thanks to his witty one-liners. He was more than just clever or mischievous.
Meanwhile, Wilbur still regularly plays gigs after rising to fame in the 1980s.
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2025-09-08 17:33