Metro Owner Joe Shanahan Diagnosed With Cancer

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 19, 2014 4:20PM

We feel it's fair to say that Joe Shanahan has singlehandedly had the most influence on the Chicago music scene. He's nurtured countless bands and his clubs—including Metro, Double Door and Smart Bar—have provided the launching pad for many nascent acts to grow into national giants via his Midwestern launching pad. So it is with great sorrow we deliver the news that we've learned Shanahan has been diagnosed with mouth and tongue cancer. However that sorrow is balanced by our faith that a man of his stature will not succumb to this diagnosis. In a statement released by Metro this morning Shanahan said:

This week, I was diagnosed with throat and tongue cancer. As a result, I will be beginning treatment on Monday. I am in the care of a fantastic medical team at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and they have told me that there is an 80% survival rate for my diagnosis. I feel entirely confident that I will be in that 80%.

While undergoing treatment, I will continue to work at Metro, Smart Bar, Double Door and GMan Tavern as I always have done. I will remain very involved with the companies on a daily basis, though there may be some days where I’ll be at the doctor’s office or need to stay home and rest. I have prided myself in putting together a great team of employees, and I am confident they will continue to excel in their work as they always have. With the support of my team at Metro, Smart Bar and GMan, and my partner and my team at Double Door, our companies will continue to thrive and grow.

While this is a challenging time for me, I know that I will beat cancer, and I am thankful for the support of my family, friends and work family as I begin my treatment and recovery.

Our thoughts and support are with Shanahan, his family and his co-workers in this time. We have faith in you, Joe!