Michael 'Mikey Dread' Campbell has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, a release from his Miami-based company Dread At The Controls Inc said, yesterday.
"The bad news is that Mikey Dread has been diagnosed with brain tumour. He is in the care of the best doctors at Duke University in North Carolina and is undergoing chemotherapy."

The release apparently came as a response to numerous queries and speculations concerning the health of the legendary radio jock who was dubbed, "The Dread at the Control Tower". Hence the relase stated, "For months now, many of you have made inquiries about Mikey Dread. Mikey believes that it is important that his fans, friends and supporters know about his current health condition and the treatment he is currently undergoing, and what has happened to him since July, 2007. The good news is that. Mikey's son was born healthy and strong on October 12, 2007."

One of Jamaica's most innovative and original radio personalities, Mikey Dread, last year celebrated two special milestones - his 30th anniversary as "The Dread at the Control" - and his father Simon Campbell's 100th birthday.

Thirty one years ago, Mikey Dread revolutionised night time radio when he redefined what was then known as the graveyard slot (between midnight and 4:30 am) by turning it into a primetime listening slot on the now defunct JBC Radio Station.

After his radio stint, he ventured into recording with one of his earliest hits, Weatherman Skanking in combination with Ray I, for producer Carlton Patterson for whom he also recorded his best known song, Barber Saloon, after which he migrated to England with more popular recordings to come like Love the Dread.

For his 30th anniversary celebration also, Mikey Dread who for sometime now has been touring the world performing at universities and festivals with his own Dread at the Control Band, recorded CD featuring his radio shows back then as well as box set of some of the tunes he has made over the years.