Sting shares update after support act suffers cardiac arrest on stage in Liverpool

Sting’s long-anticipated return to Liverpool took on a somber tone as he opened his headline performance at On The Waterfront by addressing a medical emergency that unfolded earlier in the day involving a member of local band The Christians.

The Grammy-winning artist took the stage at Pier Head on Sunday night, closing out the four-day festival, but not before updating fans on the dramatic incident that had temporarily paused the event just hours before. During The Christians’ afternoon set, a band member collapsed mid-performance, prompting immediate concern and halting the show.

Eyewitnesses described how frontman Garry Christian urgently called for medics to rush to the stage. Moments later, a privacy screen was erected to shield the scene from the large crowd, who watched in silence as the situation unfolded.

Shortly after, a spokesperson - believed to be the band's manager, Emma Bridget - addressed the audience with a sobering update. She confirmed that the performer had suffered a cardiac arrest but was still alive. “We’re really hoping he is going to make it,” she told the crowd. “He didn’t have a pulse, he’s got one now, we think. Thank you so much.”

Despite the shock, The Christians reportedly encouraged Sting to proceed with his headline set, offering their full support.

When he eventually appeared on stage, Sting made sure to acknowledge what had happened, opening his performance with a few quiet, heartfelt words about the drummer’s condition: “The drummer in the band before is OK. He's in hospital. All of us are praying he's going to be fine. Our thoughts are with him.”

It was a rare emotional moment for the legendary artist, whose appearance marked his first performance in Liverpool since 1979.

Reflecting on the city’s deep musical legacy and its connection to his own roots, the former Police frontman added: "I apologise. I don't know what kept me. I'm happy to be in this historic music city. The most historic music city in the world for obvious reasons.”

Originally from Wallsend, North Tyneside, Sting also remarked on how Liverpool reminds him of home before launching into his set.

His show brought the 2025 edition of On The Waterfront to a close, following a packed weekend of music at the iconic Mersey-side location. Other headline acts across the festival included The Wombats, The Wolfe Tones, and Cream Classical Ibiza.

As of now, no further updates on the condition of The Christians’ band member have been made public.

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