Jimmy Barnes hospitalised with major health issue
Iconic Australian rocker Jimmy Barnes has been hospitalised with a severe bacterial infection, compelling him to cancel an eagerly anticipated gig. The 67-year-old music legend took to his official Facebook page on Tuesday to share the distressing news with his fans.
"I'm sorry to let you know that I've been receiving intravenous antibiotics over the last 36 hours to treat bacterial pneumonia," Barnes revealed in his Facebook post. The veteran musician expressed regret that the infection had thwarted his plans to travel to Noumea for Rock The Boat 2023, an event fans were eagerly anticipating.
Despite the setback, Barnes assured fans that his band, along with his daughter Mahalia and other special guests, would still be performing on board. He sincerely apologised for any inconvenience and disappointment caused, explaining that doctors had confined him to bed for a two-day rest. Barnes, optimistic about a swift recovery, assured fans that he aimed to be back in action for the upcoming performance at By The C in Torquay.
'I'd like to apologise sincerely to everyone for the inconvenience and disappointment this has caused," he wrote, "but the doctors have confined me to bed for two days. The timing couldn't be worse. I'm expected to make a full recovery in time to perform live at By The C in Torquay."
Bacterial pneumonia, the cause of Barnes' current health predicament, is a serious condition involving inflammation of the lungs following an infection. The infection leads to the air sacs in the lungs filling up with fluid, causing pneumonia. The potential complications of pneumonia include respiratory failure, sepsis, lung abscess and, in extreme cases, death.
This recent health setback comes after Barnes underwent emergency hip surgery earlier this year, forcing the cancellation of his summer tour. The rocker had faced years of chronic pain, leading to a major hip operation in late 2022. The surgery required an extended period of bed rest, during which Barnes had to put his live performances on hold.
Reflecting on the earlier health challenges, Barnes noted, "We had some (live) things planned, but they fell through because of my surgery." Following the operation, the musician spent several months recovering in Thailand, his second home, alongside his wife Jane. Gradually regaining strength, Barnes, at one point, relied on a cane to walk, but by March, he had made a full recovery.
Despite the current setback, Barnes remains resilient, determined to bounce back and deliver the energetic performances that have endeared him to fans worldwide. As the music legend takes the necessary time for recovery, fans are undoubtedly sending their thoughts and well wishes for a speedy return to the stage.
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