David Bowie: Nile Rodgers 'would have been there for singer in a minute' if he knew about cancer diagnosis

The Chic co-founder survived prostate cancer

Exhilarating: Nile Rodgers on stage in New York (PETER KRAMER / GETTY IMAGES)

Nile Rodgers has expressed his regret that he couldn’t be there for David Bowie after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Bowie kept his diagnosis secret from the world, telling only a handful of people. Even those working with him on projects in his final months had no idea he was terminally ill.

The pair met at a club in the 80s, forming a friendship that would quickly develop into a collaboration. Rodgers, one of the co-founders of disco legends Chic, produced two of Bowie’s albums including "Let's Dance".

Rodger was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in 2010. He is now in remission and has regular check-ups to ensure his PSA levels are normal, as high PSA levels indicate a problem with the prostate.

He told Billboard: “Because I've had my own fight with cancer for five years now, and even if I had a scintilla of a clue, I'd be there for him in a minute. The best advice my friends who've gone through cancer have given me is this wonderful support mechanism.

“I would have really been there. Many musicians have reached out to me because I was very public about cancer. But, the one thing I really respect is everybody deals with this stuff their own way. I could never criticize anyone on this earth for keeping it silent, doing whatever they want to do, because it's terrifying. You go through every possible emotion, ever. I get it. I really do understand."