Beastie Boys' Adam 'MCA' Yauch Dead at 47

Adam Yauch, a co-founding member of the Beastie Boys who performed under the stage name MCA, has died at the age of 47 after announcing in 2009 that he had cancer.

The Huffington Post reports:

The cause of death is currently unknown. The 47-year-old member of the Beastie Boys announced that he would be receiving treatment for a cancerous tumor in his salivary gland in July 2009, and ... that, as a result, the group would cancel some future shows and push back the release of a new album.

In 2011 it was erroneously reported that Yauch had beaten the disease. On the band's website he wrote:

"Hello My Friends While I’m grateful for all the positive energy people are sending my way, reports of my being totally cancer free are exaggerated. I’m continuing treatment, staying optimistic and hoping to be cancer free in the near future."

Most recently, it appeared Yauch's health had taken a turn for the worse when he proved unable to attend the Beastie Boys' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland on March 14.

Yauch and Michael "Mike D" Diamond formed the Beastie Boys with John Berry and Kate Schellenbach in 1981. Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz replaced Berry in 1982 and became a permanent member.

Read more at the Huffington Post.

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