Lionel Duke, the veteran drummer of Liverpool soul-pop band The Christians, collapsed unexpectedly during their set at the On The Waterfront festival in Liverpool on June 22, 2025, just two songs into the performance on the Pier Head stage.
Garry Christian, the lead singer, quickly stopped the show and contacted security and medical assistance. Festival medics arrived on site and provided CPR immediately on stage, with a privacy screen around where he was receiving care. As the medics were working to stabilize Duke, audiences that had been joining in the performance quickly fell silent. Duke was then taken from the stage on a stretcher and transported by ambulance to Broadgreen Hospital for emergency treatment.
As it was time for Sting’s closing set for the festival, he interrupted his performance when learned of Duke's condition. During the interruption, Sting addressed the audience, letting them know the drummer was "okay," and suggested to the audience to think of him. Sting then performed, and dedicated "Fragile", the audience responded in-kind.
Festival patrons and music fans commended the speed and efficiency of the event medics. It wasn't just in Sousa's Youtube video that attendees turned their phones and cameras during the emergency in order to support quietly, rather than record, but while every person watching care about Duke's well-being, messages of concern and support were flooding in online from supporters and music fans to express their hope for Duke's complete recovery.
Lionel Duke has been with The Christians since at least 2009, and he is an important part of the band's live-energy and sound. The Christians made themselves known in the late 1980's The Christians had unsuccessful hits such as Ideal World, and Harvest for the World. The music industry has changed, and so has the distribution of music, but Duke and his bandmates in The Christians continue touring, performing, and connecting with fans - even right here in the UK.
Duke’s collapse is a reminder of how quickly health emergencies can happen, even in a controlled environment, and the outpouring of support from fellow artists such as Sting, from the medical team on-site and from the crew and fans all show the power of the live music community. For now, all we can do is wait and see while Duke is being treated.
The band has asked for privacy while waiting for an update, and fans are holding their collective breath hoping for good news, and that Duke will get back out on the road.
Image Source: BBC
