Successfully operated on: Glass Hammer's Steve Babb, following the removal of a benign brain tumor.
Steve Babb, the multi-instrumentalist and mainman of progressive rock band Glass Hammer, has undergone a successful surgery to remove a golf-ball-sized meningioma, a benign brain tumor, diagnosed in June 2025. The surgery was carried out by the best neurosurgeon in the area approximately two weeks before August 12, 2025.
Babb is currently in recovery, dealing with pain, fatigue, and healing from the staples in his skull. His wife, Julie Babb, and his son, Jon Michael Babb, have been exceptional in supporting him during this challenging time. Babb's wife served as a nurse, while his son came to help during the worst of the recovery period.
In a conversation with Prog magazine, Babb expressed his appreciation for the support and stated that he likes to keep working and giving fans something to argue about. He also mentioned that he is currently the band and has no plans to launch a new project. Instead, he identified himself as the current incarnation of Glass Hammer.
The tumor's removal has not affected the band's latest release, Rogue, the twenty-second studio album by Glass Hammer, which was released earlier this year. Since the release of the ARISE album in 2023, Babb has effectively become the band, with previous band members appearing on albums sporadically.
Recovery from a meningioma can vary, but patients often experience fatigue, pain, and some neurological symptoms for weeks to months after a craniotomy. Given Babb's statement about a "long, tiring recovery" with ongoing pain and fatigue just two weeks out from surgery, his recovery is likely following this typical pattern. Full recovery can take several months depending on the tumor location, size, and individual healing.
Babb has requested prayers for his recovery and expressed his intention to get through it. Prog magazine wishes Steve Babb a speedy recovery and looks forward to his continued contributions to the progressive rock genre.
[1] Information sourced from official statements and updates provided by Steve Babb and his team.
- Steve Babb, currently in recovery from a surgery to remove a meningioma, is dealing with pain, fatigue, and the healing process from staples in his skull.
- Babb's wife, Julie, and son, Jon Michael, have been exceptional in providing support during this challenging time, with Julie serving as a nurse and Jon Michael helping during the recovery period.
- Expressing gratitude for the support, Babb told Prog magazine that he intends to keep working and give fans something to discuss, without plans for a new project but instead identifying himself as the current incarnation of Glass Hammer.
- Despite the surgery, the band's latest release, Rogue, which came out earlier this year, was unaffected.
- Recovery from a meningioma can last weeks to months, and given his "long, tiring recovery" and ongoing pain and fatigue, Babb's recovery process seems to be following the usual pattern, potentially taking several months for full recovery.
- Prayers for Babb's speedy recovery have been requested, and Prog magazine hopes for his continued contributions to the progressive rock genre.
- Information regarding Babb's health updates and recovery progress can be sourced from official statements provided by Babb and his team.
