Rock legend Jimmy Barnes has announced he's undergone urgent surgery today after a bacterial infection spread to his heart.
Sharing the health emergency on X (formerly Twitter), Barnes wrote: “Despite everybody’s best efforts a bacterial infection I’ve been battling for the last fortnight has spread to my heart.”
He continued: “So, I’ll be getting open heart surgery over the next few hours to clear out this infection and put in a clean valve.”
The singer then said he “will be out of action for a while” as he recovers from the major operation.
“It still feels hugely frustrating. Just a few weeks ago I was the fittest I’ve been in decades!”
Of course, this means Barnes might need to cancel upcoming shows and he asks his fans to be patient with him while all the working parts get figured out.
Thanking his wife Jane for her “around-the-clock love and care”, Barnes added: “I’d be lost without her.”
He also mentioned the doctors and nurses who have taken care of him, plus the loads of “get well” messages from fans.
“You’ve all lifted my spirits and I’m sincerely grateful.”
Finally, Barnes said: “Given the serious nature of this operation, I probably won’t be posting again for the next few weeks, so all the best to you and your family for the holidays!”
This is such devastating news to hear after we were treated to Barnes headlining The Rock 2000 here in Aotearoa back in September.
Sending all the good vibes his way to make a speedy recovery and get back to full health for 2024.
