Bugs bassist Jordan Brunoli has shared an incredibly difficult update with fans, revealing he has been told he is nearing the end of his life following more than a year of treatment for stage four colorectal cancer.
The 30-year-old musician was diagnosed with incurable cancer last year, with the disease having spread to his liver and lymph nodes. Since then, Brunoli has undergone major surgery and multiple forms of chemotherapy while continuing to make music with his Bugs bandmates.
“I’m sharing this with everyone to keep y’all in the loop and be as upfront as possible.”
In a deeply candid post shared on Sunday, 16th August, Brunoli revealed that despite the efforts of his oncology team, treatment has been unable to stop the cancer from progressing.
“I wanted to share an update about my health amidst all the new music,” Brunoli wrote.
“I have spent over a year now trying different chemotherapy drugs, backed by an amazing oncologist and treatment team. Unfortunately I have a mutation that causes rapid growth of tumours, and none of the treatments have been able to stop the cancer from spreading.”
“I am now entering the final chapter of my life after being told in June I had a prognosis of 3-4 months. I’m sharing this with everyone to keep y’all in the loop and be as upfront as possible.”
Amid the heartbreaking news, Brunoli also expressed his gratitude to his bandmates and the wider team surrounding Bugs for helping him fulfil something incredibly important to him: finishing and releasing the band’s new album, Head Noise.
Due out Friday, 28th August, the record is Bugs’ first full-length album in four years and one the band has spent the past two years creating – including throughout Brunoli’s treatment.
“Head Noise means so much to me,” he wrote. “I can’t wait for you to hear the whole album. We’ve worked on it for the last 2 years, through the good and the bad.”
“We kept recording when I was recovering from surgery, sick from chemo, even when I had neuropathy so bad I couldn’t feel the guitar I was playing. With the love and support of everyone, we are finally able to share it with you.”
And despite everything he is facing, Brunoli made clear that he intends to spend the time ahead doing what has brought him so much joy throughout his life: making and sharing music.
“My focus has always been on enjoying the music and sharing it with others,” he continued. “Playing, recording and touring around Australia with Bugs has been the opportunity of a lifetime.”
“I just wanna say, if there were a few final shows coming up, you can bet ur ass I’ll be playing them.”
“Thank you everyone, and watch me enjoy the fuck out of the rest of my Life. Love, Jords.”
Brunoli’s cancer diagnosis was first made public in June 2025, when Bugs launched a fundraising campaign to help support him while he underwent treatment and was unable to work.
At the time, his bandmates described Jordan as someone who had spent more than a decade “selflessly giving his energy” to Bugs and making a positive impact on others through music and performing.
That support was echoed throughout the Australian music community.
Last October, Brisbane’s The Tivoli hosted the Saving A Bugs Life fundraiser for Brunoli, with Bugs joined by a huge contingent of friends from the local scene including Dear Seattle, Beddy Rays, Sly Withers, The Buoys, VOIID, TOWNS and Talk Heavy, while DZ Deathrays performed a DJ set.
For now, Jordan’s attention is firmly on Head Noise, getting back on stage if circumstances allow, and – in his own characteristically defiant words – enjoying the fuck out of the rest of his life.
The album is out on August 28 (pre-save here), with two album launch shows in September at Brisbane’s Crowbar, a venue that has formed a core part of the band’s history. Tickets to both shows are on sale today.
We’re sending all our love to Jordan, his loved ones, his Bugs bandmates and everyone in his orbit during this incredibly difficult time.
Bugs ‘Head Noise’ LP Launch Shows 2026
Thursday, 10th September
Crowbar, Brisbane QLD (w/ Sam Cromack, Supernew, Dirty Harry)
Saturday, 12th September
Crowbar, Brisbane QLD (w/ Dune Rats DJs, Suzi, Talk Heavy, VOIID)
Sign up HERE
Further Reading
Bugs Announce ‘Saving A Bug’s Life’ Fundraiser Gig For Bassist Diagnosed With Cancer
Love Letter To A Record: Bugs On The Beths’ ‘Future Me Hates Me’
Listen To Bugs’ Moody New Single ‘Decisions, Commitments And Plans’
