Jeff Connolly, frontman for the acclaimed 1980s Boston band The Liars and its predecessor, DMZ, has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and is seeking financial assistance to cover mounting medical expenses. Connolly, also known as Monoman, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help fund chemotherapy and “pre-surgery” medications.
As of March 3, 2026, the fundraising effort had surpassed $49,000, representing 90% of Connolly’s $55,000 goal. Contributions have come from members of bands including Wilco, The Cars, The Dictators, The Smithereens and Nada Surf.
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Connolly expressed gratitude for the support and acknowledged the significant cost of his treatment in a message posted in late January on The Liars’ social media pages and his GoFundMe page.
“Without your support and (contributions) to GoFundMe, I wouldn’t be able to reach the real finish line of kicking cancer in 2026!” he added.
A benefit concert to support Connolly is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, at the renowned Middle East club in Boston. The show, titled “Jeff Connolly Cancer Battle of the Bands,” will feature a diverse lineup of local groups. Performers include Mission of Burma, Classic Ruins, Unnatural X, and Dogmatics, along with several special guests.
Tickets are priced at $38.07 and are available through Ticketweb.
More About Jeff Connolly
Connolly has been a prominent and unconventional figure in the garage rock scene since forming DMZ in 1976. The band’s initial lineup included future drummer David Robinson. Following the release of a self-titled EP in 1977 and an album of the same name in 1978, DMZ disbanded.
Connolly then formed The Lyres with other former DMZ members. The Lyres released several well-regarded albums during the 1980s, including Unsatisfied (1984), Lyres Lyres (1986), and The Promise Is the Promise (1988).
Among the group’s most popular songs are “Don’t Deliver Up Now” and “Help Me Ann.”
Connolly continues to lead The Lyres, with a rotating roster of musicians. The band recently played in Austin, Texas, on February 13 and in San Antonio the following night. A performance scheduled for March 28 in Medford, Massachusetts, was canceled due to Connolly’s illness.
(Photo by Jeff Kubach)
Bladder cancer is a relatively common malignancy, often beginning in the cells lining the bladder. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes, and financial burdens can significantly impact a patient’s access to care. Connolly’s situation highlights the challenges faced by many artists and individuals navigating serious health issues.
