Chesney Hawkes’ Song Provides Solace to Friend Battling Lung Cancer

Vic Irvine, owner of Cerne Abbas Brewery and a childhood friend of pop star Chesney Hawkes, stated that a song written by Hawkes, which celebrates Irvine’s “zest for life,” has provided him strength during his fight against lung cancer. Mr. Irvine received his diagnosis three years prior, and Mr. Hawkes has offered support whenever feasible. The two discussed their enduring friendship, which began when they met at a school in Berkshire, during an appearance on BBC Radio Dorset. Mr. Hawkes has released the single “Live Forever,” a track inspired by Mr. Irvine’s life and his method of confronting Stage 4 lung cancer. Speaking with radio host Steve Harris, Mr. Irvine commented: “We go back to before he was famous, it’s been a ride it really has. We’ve had some good times, some not so good, but it’s been brilliant.” Throughout their friendship, Chesney Hawkes has traveled to Cerne Abbas to visit Mr. Irvine and perform fundraising concerts in his support. The singer, widely recognized for his 90s hit “The One and Only,” collaborated again with record producer Nik Kershaw to produce the album “Living Arrows,” scheduled for release in February. Regarding the single inspired by Mr. Irvine, the pop star remarked: “It was inspired by Vic’s zest for life. He’s always the biggest heart in the room life and soul of every party and everyone loves a bit of Vic. The song is about taking life by the horns and living out loud.” Mr. Irvine disclosed that he has been listening to the album over the last year while undergoing multiple cancer treatments. He stated: “Ches doing this, that’s the things that keep me going. It’s an outrageous life I lead to be totally honest with you.” In a social media post concerning the album, Mr. Irvine mentioned that “Live Forever” had assisted him in maintaining a positive outlook and keeping his “eyes fixed firmly on the horizon.” Mr. Hawkes noted that his 19-year-old son, Indiana, performs on the track and is featured in the accompanying video, adding that Mr. Irvine is “like an uncle to him.” He further commented: “I didn’t realise how emotional I was going to be once it was released and then Vic put this amazing post up. There were definitely a few welling up moments.” Reflecting on his experience with cancer treatment, Mr. Irvine described the staff at Dorset County Hospital as “saints.” He concluded: “We’re so lucky to have them. I owe them my life.”