Matt McBriar, one half of the acclaimed Northern Irish electronic music duo Bicep, has shared a personal health update with fans, revealing he has undergone surgery for a “large and pretty rare” brain tumour.
Taking to the duo’s Instagram page, McBriar opened up about his health struggles that began towards the end of 2023, explaining how fatigue and headaches led to the discovery of a craniopharyngioma tumour on his pituitary gland.
The Belfast-born producer, aged 38, posted a picture from his hospital bed, informing followers that he had surgery on August 9, and thankfully, the procedure was successful, and he is now in recovery.
McBriar detailed his symptoms: “Towards the end of 2023, I got some intense localised weird headaches matched with a weird fatigue that felt new.”
He continued, recounting the medical journey that led to his diagnosis: “I got several blood tests in spring 2024 which came back indicating that something was wrong, so my GP arranged an MRI followed by a CT scan,” reports the Irish Mirror.
“Unfortunately, they told me they had discovered a large, and pretty rare Craniopharyngioma tumour on my pituitary gland (in my brain). The good news is firstly, it’s almost certainly not cancerous and secondly, I’ve caught it in the earlier stages of damage,” adding that early testing played a crucial role in his prognosis.
He reflected on his fortune at having the condition detected early. He said: “I’d been very lucky to get those initial blood tests followed by an MRI. Had it been much longer I might’ve lost some eyesight and a load of other problems due to the size and position of the tumour pressing on my optic nerves.”
McBriar opened up about his health journey, detailing the numerous hospital appointments and tests he endured due to a tumour, culminating in surgery to remove it last week. The Belfast artist revealed that despite the medical challenges, he continued to perform live, stating it was “personally important to keep my mind busy!”
Now in recovery following a successful operation, McBriar shared that he faces a six to eight-week recuperation period and a lengthy stretch of aftercare, yet he remains ‘incredibly grateful and lucky’. Expressing his gratitude, McBriar said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the amazing consultants, surgeons, doctors and nurses at the NHS who have looked after me and been so amazing, kind and empathetic.
“The support I’ve received has been incredible, I can’t say this enough. Appointments were arranged with sometimes only hours’ notice and communication incredibly fast and direct. Our healthcare system is very precious and worth fighting for!”
With his recovery underway, McBriar announced that, whilst in recovery, Andy will be performing upcoming shows as Bicep solo “until further notice”. He also extended a heartfelt thanks to his family, friends, and colleagues.
He wrote: “Finally, a heartfelt thanks to my family, friends and work colleagues who have been my absolute rock through this behind the scenes. Love you all. Matt.”
Support poured in from McBriar’s circle, with electronic music duo Disclosure sending their regards: “Lots of love Matt. Rest up and stay strong.”
Bicep, the Belfast-born/London-based duo comprised of McBriar and Andy Ferguson, are childhood friends who found common ground in their shared love for dance music. The dynamic duo have been lighting up stages throughout the spring and summer, with performances at renowned festivals such as Glastonbury, Coachella and Live at the Marquee in Cork, with more festival appearances lined up for August and September.
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