The Christians have taken to social media to issue an update on their drummer Lionel Duke who suffered a cardiac arrest on stage in Liverpool while supporting Sting
The Christians have shared an update after Lionel Duke suffered a cardiac arrest on stage. Drummer Lionel and the band were supporting Sting at Liverpool’s Pier Head on Sunday when he suddenly collapsed mid-performance. Lead singer, Gary Christian, requested immediate medical attention, with crews setting up a privacy screen on the stage.
Lionel was later rushed to the hospital via ambulance after being checked over by the emergency services. Now, the band have shared an update on social media. In a statement, they said: “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.”
Fans rushed to the comment section, with one praising the medical team for their swift response. They said: “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 make shift curtain whilst they performed the c.p.r I know he is in good hands at Broadgreen.”
A second added: “It was terrifying to see poor Lionel slump forward. I was so proud of the respect the Liverpool crowd showed falling silent, no photos and many people turned around. We were kept updated, and Sting sang ‘fragile’ after asking us all to hold Lionel in our thoughts. Wishing him a speedy recovery. He is in good hands at Broadgreen.”
“We were at the Waterfront – Sting was updating us all in the crowd and wished Lionel well and encouraged us all to think for him and sang Fragile as the final song for the evening – Wishing Lionel a speedy recovery,” said another.
Meanwhile, a fourth fan typed: “It was heartbreaking to see. Wishing Lionel a speedy recovery and sending lots of love and wishes to Lionel’s family and bandmates.” As the incident unfolded, event staff displayed a message on the huge screens to update fans.
They said: “We appreciate your patience and understanding. Medical staff are with the performer, and we will provide an update as soon as we can.” Moments later, a spokesperson who is believed to be The Christians’ manager addressed the sold-out crowd. She confirmed that Lionel had suffered a cardiac arrest but was managed to be brought back around.
She said: “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.” Despite worries, the band are believed to have encouraged Sting to continue with his performance. When he took to the stage, the Grammy Award-winning musician reflected on the heartbreaking incident.
He said: “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.” The Christians, from Liverpool, had the highest-selling debut album of any artist at Island Records and international chart hits in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The band took its name from the surname of the three original brothers in the lineup – a fitting choice that also happens to be guitarist Henry Priestman’s middle name. The group was formed in 1985, consisting of lead singer Gary Christian, Roger Christian, Russell Christian and Priestman. Earlier members included Paul Barlow, Mike Bulger and Tony Jones.
However, Roger Christian stepped away from the band in 1987 and chose not to tour but instead, focused solely on a solo record.
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