The Christians share update on drummer after cardiac arrest during Sting show

Posted On June 23, 2025June 23, 2025

The Christians have shared a health update on drummer Lionel Duke after he suffered a cardiac arrest during their show at Liverpool’s Pier Head with Sting on June 22nd.

During their set, Duke collapsed after only four songs, and the band’s frontman, Garry Christian, called for a privacy screen to be set up onstage. The drummer then received medical care before being taken to a local hospital. The band ended their set following the incident.

Now, in a statement, the band wrote on Facebook: “Thankyou so much to all the many many messages regarding our drummer Lionel Duke who suffered a cardiac arrest while performing at tonights amazing concert ahead of Sting.”

They continued: “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.”

The Liverpudlian band concluded their message by imploring their fans to “please send positive vibes his way.”

Throughout the night, fans were updated on Duke’s condition, including by their manager, Emma Bridget, who explained (via the Liverpool Echo) 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.”

Bridget added: I’m just so sorry because Gary loves Liverpool and he wanted to put on the show of his life. We’re really devastated but thank you so much.” Sting was also praised for keeping the audience informed during his set.

As it stands, The Christians remain scheduled to play various festivals across the United Kingdom this summer, such as Sittingbourne Festival on June 28th, Camper Calling and ’80s Calling.

Sting’s set at Pier Head in Liverpool is part of his ongoing Sting 3.0 tour, which included a headline set at the Isle of Wight Festival over the weekend. He will also play Cardiff Castle, Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park, Cannock Chase, Lincoln Castle and headline Latitude Festival in July.

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