Former Iron Maiden singer Blaze Bayley is “in excellent spirits” in hospital following his heart attack last Saturday. He requires a heart bypass operation, “triple (possibly quadruple),” which he will undergo in the next few days, and his recovery will have an impact on the planned tour dates.
The main point from this is that as an independent artist, the postponement of the tour is a big blow for Blaze. To help him through this difficult period, we ask people to buy merch from his webshop, www.blazebayley.co.uk/shop.
All in the Metal family wish Blaze the best. Iron Maiden are collecting messages for Blaze via their social media.
The full statement is reprinted below.
“We visited Blaze in hospital yesterday & first of all we’re delighted to say we found him in excellent spirits, sitting up in bed. We of course had an update on his condition but also a really good chat & a laugh as normal. Blaze has certainly not lost his strength & sense of humour!
“Moving on from that he does require surgery & within the next few days (as soon as hospital capacity allows) he will be undergoing a triple (possibly quadruple) heart bypass. This is obviously not a small matter & we should expect that his recovery period will be many months. We will announce the impact on the tour diary once we’ve discussed with the relevant venues & promoters.
“Nevertheless, Blaze is looking ahead with optimism for a full recovery with good health & fitness, & the full benefit of the surgery & treatment. On behalf of Blaze & all of us in the team, we thank you so much for all the messages of love & support. It really has been incredible & Blaze is both energised & emotional in response.
“As most of you will understand Blaze is a completely independent artist & so the postponement of the current tour & future dates is a particularly big blow. For those of you that would like to help us get through this period we ask you to please buy merch from our webshop (probably items that you would have bought at one of the shows). Your support in that way would be very much appreciated by Blaze & ourselves as the management team www.blazebayley.co.uk/shop
“In the meantime, we have Blaze’s blessing to work on Absolva recordings & tour schedule as of course they are also hugely impacted by the current situation.
“We will keep you updated with developments as & when they happen. Mark Appleton & Christopher Appleton (management / bookings)”
