Australian rock band Killing Heidi are breathing a huge sigh of relief after doctors finally gave lead singer Ella Hooper, 19, the all clear from a throat cancer scare.
'We first knew something was wrong with Ella when she couldn't hit notes the way she used to,' her brother and fellow band member Jesse reveals to New Idea.
'She went to see four separate specialists and each one gave her a different opinion. It was very frustrating.
'When it was finally diagnosed she had a lump in her throat, we were all scared and our parents were worried sick. None of us slept the night before her operation in Melbourne. We were all so relieved that it was benign. we can now get back to what we love doing - making music".
Their new album, still untitled but rumoured to be called Original replica, is due out next month with the majority of songs written by Ella.
Its been a whirlwind rise. Their debut album sold half a million copies and won four ARIAs. Not bad for a bunch of teenagers who used to get mad fans - and fast!
'Some Sydney school kids found out where we were staying and booked up lunch on our tab,' says bandmate Warren Jenkin.
'While we were a bit annoyed, we were also quite flattered. If that had happened two years ago, I would have really got stuck into them. Now I appreciate our success. I guess that does mean we've grown up'.
