Despite his ongoing battle with myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cell which is an important part of the immune system that produces antibodies to help fight infection and disease, veteran singer Alton Ellis is still set on rocking as many stage shows as he can.

Ellis is currently in the island making preparations to perform at the 'Get Ready To Rock Steady' show tomorrow at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

Myeloma

Speaking at a press conference at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday, Ellis explained that he had myeloma, which is a tumour of plasma cells, arising in bone marrow, and often occurring at multiple sites, as in the vertebrae and flat skull bones. He, however, said he was now feeling much better than in recent months.

"I am not bad at all. Friday the doctor stopped chemo (therapy) 'cause the disease is low. They are just observing my condition," said Ellis who now resides in the United Kingdom.

Expensive

Ellis, also said he was, "badly in need of money," as he noted that the treatment for his cancer was expensive.

He said he did five shows in the United Kingdom last year when he was getting better, but got sick again. However, he says he will be doing his best when he performs at the concert tomorrow.

"I am a ready man but I just get tired easily. At one time I was like this so you see that my illness is not so bad anymore," Ellis told The Star.

The 'Get Ready to Rock Steady' concert will be filmed as part of a documentary of the same name. Other artistes set to perform on the show include, Leroy Sibbles, Dawn Penn, Ken Boothe, Judy Mowatt, Lloyd Parkes and We The People, Derrick Morgan and The Tamlins.

The documentary, which is being produced by Swiss and French companies in collaboration with the Jamaican Government, will show how rock steady has impacted on other genres of music in Jamaica.