It was not a pleasant spectacle when The Christians’ drummer Lionel Duke passed out onstage on Sunday while playing for rock legend Sting.
Frontman Garry Christian reportedly screamed for Duke’s assistance before paramedics arrived on stage. The drummer was then surrounded by a privacy curtain until a woman Metro reported was the band’s manager, Emma Bridget, emerged to speak to the appalled fans.
“We sincerely hope he will make it,” she said. There was no pulse in him. We believe he has one now. Many thanks.
We’re devastated, but thank you so much. Garry loves Liverpool and wanted to put on the show of his life, so I’m just really sorry.
On Monday, the band posted on Facebook to update Duke’s situation.
As you may have heard, we had to postpone our appearance at the final night of @otwliverpool because our drummer, Lionel Duke, suffered a cardiac arrest early in our performance. The incredible OTWF team and onstage medics treated him while the audience onstage followed @garry.christian’s call for assistance. We especially appreciate @theofficialcasting’s thoughtful and lovely remembrance of Lionel. How brittle we are.
The band thanked everyone for their thoughts and well wishes for Duke in another post.
We are incredibly grateful for the numerous messages we received about our drummer Lionel Duke, who had a heart collapse during tonight’s incredible performance before Sting.
Please send him good thoughts.
