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Leukemia Patient James Ellis Ford Records ‘Lost In Another World’

8/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

James Ellis Ford recorded Lost In Another World while being treated for acute myeloid leukemia.
He was diagnosed on Christmas Eve 2024 and underwent chemotherapy, a stem-cell transplant and further treatment through 2025.
During a two-week stay in early 2025, wife Sereen brought a laptop, synths and a microphone for the album.
Ford will play Rough Trade East, London on 17 August and the Horse Hospital, London on 17 September.

History

Historical Context

In January 2016, David Bowie released Blackstar, his 26th studio album, on his 69th birthday while privately battling liver cancer. Produced with longtime collaborator Tony Visconti and a New York jazz quartet, the record entered the UK Albums Chart at number one, moving 146,000 copies in its first week. Its death-themed lyrics and posthumous acclaim sparked renewed discussion of how illness can shape artistic output.

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Story summary

James Ellis Ford recorded Lost In Another World while being treated for acute myeloid leukemia.
He was diagnosed on Christmas Eve 2024 and underwent chemotherapy, a stem-cell transplant and further treatment through 2025.
During a two-week stay in early 2025, wife Sereen brought a laptop, synths and a microphone for the album.
Ford will play Rough Trade East, London on 17 August and the Horse Hospital, London on 17 September.

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