The moment of diagnosis
Jordan Brunoli, 30, learned he had stage 4 cancer earlier this year, a revelation that surprised a musician already used to the rigours of touring and writing. His initial reaction was paradoxical: a thought that he could take a break from the daily grind gave way to the fear that such a diagnosis was impossible for someone his age. “Hell yeah, I get some time off work,” he told triple j hack, before the gravity of the situation settled in. In short order, the reality hit hard: “that’s ridiculous, I’m too young.”
One third of the Australian band Bugs — alongside singer Connor Brooker and drummer Brock Weston — Jordan recalls how the band’s public revelation of his illness took him by surprise. He admits he wasn’t planning to speak out at first, but with encouragement from his bandmates, he chose transparency. The decision to go public was not just about awareness; it was about building a support network that could help him navigate a fight that stretches beyond the music.
A new normal begins: testing, treatment and resilience
Jordan’s health saga began with months of troubling symptoms — intermittent blood in his stool, fatigue and recurrent abdominal pain. He describes pain so intense that he could not move for hours, a stark contrast to the often glossy veneer of a tour schedule. Yet, when he sought medical help, some doctors dismissed his concerns. He recalls being told it was a virus and that he should wait it out. The experience underscored for him a painful truth: advocating for yourself is challenging for young patients when symptoms aren’t easily explained.
After seeking a second opinion, the grim reality emerged: the cancer had already spread to his liver and lymph nodes. He underwent major surgery, removing roughly half of his bowel and living with a permanent stoma. He now faces ongoing chemotherapy for the rest of his life, with side effects including skin reactions on his hands, brittle hair, numbness, and fatigue—though he’s fortunate to avoid severe nausea. The prognosis remains uncertain, and Jordan concedes that the question of exactly how long he has is a constant, frightening companion. He recalls a recent moment with his oncologist: there was silence in the room when new information was delivered, a reminder that the curve of this illness can be unpredictable and unforgiving.
Feeling scared, feeling liberated
Despite the fear — “tomorrow might be the day when my liver gives up” — Jordan also describes a paradoxical sense of liberation. The looming threat of an unpredictable future has pushed him to live more fully in the present, to pursue the things that bring joy and comfort. “You kind of live life like you’re going to die and just do the things that make you happy,” he explains, adding that finding peace with the idea of limited time is not his fault but a reality he must face. The honesty of his reflections has resonated with fans and peers alike, offering a candid glimpse into what it means to balance ambition, health, and vulnerability.
The music community rallies: a fundraising lifeline
In Brisbane this weekend, a sold-out fundraising concert titled Saving a Bug’s Life will celebrate Jordan’s life and fund his needs. The lineup features prominent Australian acts, and Bugs themselves will take the stage, despite admitting nerves about performing in the face of his illness. The outpouring of support from fellow musicians has been overwhelming, with Jordan describing the scene as unlike anything he has seen before. The money raised will help cover practical necessities — groceries, stoma supplies and other daily essentials — enabling him to focus more on recovery and healing with his partner, George, and the people who care about him.
Music as therapy: what the future might sound like
Music remains Jordan’s constant. He hints at new material from Bugs that might sound different from their earlier, lighter days, describing the process as therapeutic. When the days are tough, he returns to the guitar, letting his fingers do the talking. He emphasizes that he will never give up music, viewing it as not only a passion but a lifeline that helps him weather the toughest moments. This blend of vulnerability, artistry and stubborn resilience is shaping the band’s next chapter as they navigate a life where their art and their friend are inextricably linked.
Looking ahead
As Jordan navigates an uncertain road, his message is clear: push for your health, lean on your community, and let music be both shelter and signal light. The Bugs family and the broader Australian music scene have mobilised around Saving a Bug’s Life, turning a personal crisis into collective action while offering a blueprint for how communities can rally around artists facing life-changing health challenges. In his own words, the new normal is not about surrendering to the illness, but about finding ways to live more fully, more honestly and more together.
