# Ben Kenney's fight to keep playing after brain tumor

> Incubus bassist Ben Kenney toured with an undiagnosed brain tumor, then lost hearing permanently after surgery but found gratitude in his survival.
- Title: Ben Kenney's fight to keep playing after brain tumor
- Summary: Incubus bassist Ben Kenney toured with an undiagnosed brain tumor, then lost hearing permanently after surgery but found gratitude in his survival. Kenney…
- Keywords: ben kenney, incubus, brain tumor, hearing loss, surgery, touring musician, health crisis, bass player, recovery, solo project, Ben, Kenney's
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/artists/bassists/ben-kenney-on-touring-with-a-brain-tumor-in-incubus
- Published: 2026-09-25T11:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ben kenney, incubus, brain tumor, hearing loss, surgery, touring musician, health crisis, bass player, recovery, solo project
## Carpal tunnel led to bigger problems
After recovering from carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, Ben Kenney thought he was entering a better chapter. Then he started losing hearing on his right side.
## Strange symptoms sparked alarm
Lethargy, dizziness, and facial numbness made Kenney realize something was seriously wrong. His wife insisted he see a doctor to figure out what was happening.
## Brain tumor diagnosis in 2022
Doctors discovered Kenney had a brain tumor while he was touring. He kept the diagnosis secret and continued performing, terrified about what it meant for his future.

> I'm on tour. I have the knowledge that I may have a brain tumor, right? I didn't tell nobody.
## Surgery removed tumor with costs
The operation was successful, but surgeons warned Kenney he would permanently lose hearing in his right ear and might face facial paralysis for life.

> You are going to permanently lose your hearing on the right side. It's never going to come back.
## Stereo guitars now just a memory
Kenney grieved losing the ability to hear stereo guitar harmonics, something he'd experienced for decades. That harmonic richness is now permanently gone.

> I'm never going to hear stereo guitars again, and hear that beautiful harmonic haze.
## Left Incubus, found gratitude
Kenney stepped away from Incubus but returned to touring with his solo project. He focuses on gratitude for the music career he's had rather than what he's lost.
## More than enough to show for it
Despite permanent hearing loss, Kenney says he's gotten more from music than most people ever will. He's at peace with whatever comes next in his career.

> I've gotten to get more out of music than anybody.
## Key takeaway

Kenney continued performing while unknowingly battling a brain tumor, and despite permanent hearing loss in one ear after surgery, he remains grateful for his music career.