Not even advanced prostate cancer and “heavy hormone blockers” is stopping the frontman of a tribute act for one of Australia’s most beloved bands from belting out the classics on stage in front of his adoring fans.
For the last quarter of a century, Andy Lutze, of Bacchus Marsh, has performed iconic tunes including like Flame Trees and Khe Sanh — across the country as the lead singer of Cold Chisel tribute band “Gold Chisel”.
And a “brutal” cancer diagnosis was not going to stop him from doing what he loves.
“Everyone was telling me you have to stop performing, but it hasn’t affected my voice and when I’m on that stage it’s the only time where my life feels normal,” he said.
“Performing is the therapy I need.”
He even recently played in Papua New Guinea and the Whitsundays with the band.
Mr Lutze received the “debilitating” news that he had four cancerous tumours on his prostate in October last year, with the cancer spreading to his hip.
By that time the cancer had already reached an “advanced” stage 3, meaning he had to be hauled in for heavy treatment, including androgen deprivation therapy (or hormone blockers) to lower his testosterone levels and slow the cancer.
Not only does the treatment “stop your muscles from working” but includes side effects like short term memory loss and significant anxiety.
“Depression becomes depression tenfold … everything becomes amplified,” he said.
Mr Lutze will also undergo 60 days of radiation, putting his work as a freelance video editor and cameraman on hold.
He has also had to cut back on Gold Chisel gigs.
However, despite the tough few months ahead, Mr Lutzee has his sights set on his next show on October 3 at the Shoppingtown Hotel in Doncaster where he hopes to light up the stage like never before.
He said playing on stage with the band and “delivering something loved by Australians” was “really motivating”.
Long time friend Ken Bell set up an online fundraiser to help Mr Lutze pay for his treatment.
Mr Bell said the Gold Chisel frontman’s “energy” was “amazing” whenever he got on stage.
“It’s what he does best,” he said.
A fundraiser concert has also been organised by the band “Rat Pack”, which will donate money raised at its concert in August at Musicland in Faulkner to Mr Lutzee’s treatment.