A beloved singer-songwriter, Dean Franklin, has performed his final gig following a devastating diagnosis of advanced cancer. The 36-year-old, known for his time on *The Voice* and mentored by singer Paloma Faith, captivated fans in London’s Piccadilly Circus last Sunday. The performance drew hundreds of supporters who gathered to witness a poignant farewell after Franklin was diagnosed with late-stage oesophageal cancer, which has spread to his liver.
Franklin, who has been a fixture in London’s music scene for nearly a decade, was diagnosed on December 9, 2022, after enduring months of treatment for acid reflux. Initially, the symptoms masked the real threat, leading him to seek medical attention repeatedly. “I kept going back to the doctor. The medication didn’t work. Then pain started under my ribs—in my liver. That’s when everything changed,” he shared.
Upon being rushed to Homerton Hospital, Franklin underwent emergency tests that revealed multiple tumours on his liver, along with pain radiating into his back. He is now receiving care from a leading cancer specialist at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, where doctors have informed him that chemotherapy could extend his life by about a year, depending on further testing and potential clinical trials.
The singer, who is currently managing severe symptoms including jaundice and chronic pain, made the heart-wrenching decision to step away from performing to focus on his health. His final performance was both an emotional send-off and a fundraiser aimed at securing the future for his family, including his 17-year-old daughter, Mya Hyndman, and her mother. In total, more than £25,000 has been raised to support them during this challenging time.
The atmosphere during the final performance was electric, with over 300 fans present, some traveling from as far as Spain and Switzerland to be there. Couples whose weddings he had sung at in the past were among the attendees. As Franklin closed the show with Leonard Cohen’s iconic song “Hallelujah,” the crowd sang along, many in tears, capturing the emotional weight of the moment. “It was overwhelming. These people have been part of my life,” Franklin remarked after the performance.
Beyond his personal battle, Franklin is also fighting for the future of street music in London. He has been vocal against the increasing crackdowns by Westminster Council on buskers. “So many iconic pitches have gone,” he noted, expressing concern over the council’s actions, which have been driven by noise complaints. Last year, he faced legal action for performing in an unlicensed area, a case the council lost; however, he was still ordered to pay £250 in costs, which his fans swiftly covered.
Franklin’s legacy as a performer and advocate for street musicians is sure to resonate long after his last performance. “Busking has been my income. Music has been my life,” he stated, reflecting on his journey and the impact he has had on so many. As he prepares for his next round of chemotherapy, the community continues to rally around him, ensuring that his family will be supported as he fights against cancer.
