Saga Frontman Michael Sadler Shares Rare Cancer Diagnosis
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Michael Sadler (at L) of Saga in the band’s “On the Loose” video.
Michael Sadler, the vocalist and a songwriter for the longtime Canadian rock band Saga best known for their 1982 hit “On the Loose,” has revealed that he is battling a rare muscle-invasive cancer. The news, which he shared on July 12, 2025, comes amidst significant tragedy for the frontman’s family. In the past year, two of his other siblings received cancer diagnoses, one of whom, a sister, Dianne, succumbed to the illness earlier this month. (A brother, with leukemia, is said to be doing well on a daily regimen of medication.) Sadler, who turned 71 on July 5, learned of his own diagnosis last September. Though he reports that his cancer is incurable and untreatable, he is “currently stable and otherwise doing well; this news has turned my life toward a more introspective and purposeful path.
“I am deeply aware of my responsibilities and I plan on looking forward as best as we can,” he wrote. “I’m working on leaving a musical legacy both for the band, completing my new projects and of course, keeping my promises to my family.” Sadler is scheduled to perform on the popular “On the Blue Cruise” of classic rock stars in August. He also has other projects in the works, some in conjunction with his son, Seren.
In a follow-up post today (July 14) on his Facebook page, Sadler noted that some initial press reports misinterpreted his condition, based on his July 12 post. “I am not currently ‘terminal’ nor ‘in transition,'” he wrote on July 14. “The surgery I underwent successfully removed the cancer, and as no further treatment or cure is available in my case, my focus is on staying healthy.”
Sadler hails from Penarth, a town in Wales, U.K. He co-founded Saga with brothers Ian Crichton and Jim Crichton, and others. Their highest-charting album was 1981’s Worlds Apart, produced by Rupert Hine, and released on Epic’s Portrait label in America. The Gold LP included “On the Loose” which reached #3 on the U.S. rock chart thanks to its popularity on MTV and FM radio.
Related: Radio Hits in 1982: Top 40 was still rockin’
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Jump into a conversationGod bless you Michael Sadler wish you all the peace in the world so sorry for the loss of your sister praying for your brother as well we love your music it is inspired our souls you will be in our prayers!