At 71, Michael Sadler, the unmistakable voice behind Saga, has always been an artist who poured depth into every note. But now, he’s facing a very different kind of reality, one that has redefined his path, his purpose, and the legacy he intends to leave behind.
In a deeply personal social media post, Sadler revealed that the cancer he was diagnosed with last year is not only rare but also beyond the reach of treatment or cure.
“I learned in April, just before boarding a cruise, that my cancer is incurable and untreatable. Though I’m currently stable and otherwise doing well, this news has turned my life toward a more introspective and purposeful path,” he shared.
That quiet clarity, one that only mortality can bring, echoes through every line.
“In this autumn of my life, I find myself reflecting on all the time I wasted and the precious moments I have left — what to do, with whom, and how to spend them. I’m learning to live in this uncertain space, cherishing every moment I’m given,” he added.
His reflections arrive during a time of deep personal loss. Alongside his own diagnosis, Sadler has also endured the recent death of his sister to cancer, and his brother is currently facing the disease as well. These compounded griefs have not dimmed his light, but instead shifted it, focusing it toward something that feels urgent, human, and deeply real.
“With all this, I am deeply aware of my responsibilities, and I plan on looking forward as best as we can. 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.”
“It is what it is, I can only hope that you’ll continue to support my efforts and hope to see you all again at my various events — maybe we’ll say hi to each other and take selfies a few more times.”
As he turned 71 on July 5, Sadler received an overwhelming show of support from fans around the world. That wave of kindness hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“With that said, your outpouring of birthday wishes and sympathy has touched my heart more than I can express. Thank you all for your love and kindness during this bittersweet time. Your love and friendship mean the world to me and my family. May your lives be blessed.”
When Sadler’s wife, Gwen, first spoke publicly about his illness last September, she described it as “a highly aggressive form of muscle invasive cancer, a rare type that occurs in only 3-5 % of the cases.”
Through it all, Sadler remains focused on music. Saga, the Canadian progressive icons he co-founded, have released nearly two dozen albums to date, including Symmetry, their most recent effort, which arrived in March 2021 via earMUSIC.
