The Christians have issued a statement after their drummer Lionel Duke collapsed on stage at the Liverpool Pier Head and suffered a suspected cardiac arrest in front of fans
The Christians have shared an update after their drummer Lionel Duke was struck by a suspected cardiac arrest mid-performance, bringing their On The Waterfront gig to a sudden halt.
The group were in the midst of their set at Liverpool Pier Head on June 22 when Mr Duke took ill and collapsed. Frontman Garry Christian urgently called for medical assistance, while a black screen was swiftly erected around the scene.
The band’s manager, Emma Bridget, took to the stage shortly afterwards to inform the thousands gathered that the drummer had suffered a cardiac arrest during the show.
She announced: “We were so looking forward to tonight it was going to be the big gig of the year and our lovely drummer has had a cardiac arrest.
“They’ve done four rounds of CPR on him. We’re really hoping he is going to make it. He didn’t have a pulse, he’s got one now, we think. Thank you so much,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
“I’m just so sorry because Garry loves Liverpool and he wanted to put on the show of his life and we’re really devastated but thank you so much.”
Following the distressing event, the band expressed their gratitude on social media for the outpouring of concern for Lionel Duke, stating: “Thank you so much to all the many many messages regarding our drummer Lionel Duke who suffered a cardiac arrest while performing at tonight’s amazing concert ahead of Sting.
“We are awaiting news from the Heart and Chest hospital at Broad Green and thank the phenomenal team of medics present from On The Waterfront Liverpool team who stepped in so swiftly to help our poor Lionel. Please send positive vibes his way.”
Liverpool band enthusiasts have rallied around with messages of support. Mike Landsborough recounted: “Was at the gig in the front seen it all unfold. What swift action by his band and first aid responders and the event staff for making it dignified by shielding Lionel with a makeshift curtain whilst they performed the CPR. Our thoughts are with Lionel his family and his band family.”
Sarah Harriet SassyButterfly shared her concern: “It was very worrying when Lionel slumped forwards onto his drums. Seeing the black screens go up. They were working on him on the stage for a while. I’m so pleased he is doing OK. It was frightening to see. Best wishes to Lionel.”
Sarah Ann also expressed her sentiments: “Was at the waterfront when it happened. My thoughts are with Lionel, his family and band members. Sting singing Fragile at the end was very emotional and brought a tear to my eye. Broadgreen is a wonderful hospital, he’s in the best place to be able to make a full recovery.”
The Christians wrapped up their set last night before headliner Sting graced the stage. At 9.30pm, Sting announced that Mr Duke was recuperating in hospital, to the cheers of the crowd.
He stated: “The drummer in the band before is OK. He’s in hospital. All of us are praying he’s going to be fine. Our thoughts are with him.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
