Jimmy Buffett doing well after stage fall
Updated
Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett has been released from hospital in Sydney after falling off the stage and hitting his head during a concert.
Buffett's management have released a short statement on his website saying he had been "released from the hospital and is doing well".
The 64-year-old US musician, best known for his 1977 hit Margaritaville, was performing a final encore in front of a sell-out crowd at the Hordern Pavilion when he fell, horrifying fans and crew.
"I thought he'd broken his neck," Sydney surgeon Gordian Fulde, who happened to be in the audience and treated Buffet at the scene, told 702 ABC Sydney.
"I heard the clunk of his head on a metal ledge, he has a deep gash on his scalp, which is all right now.
"But at first I thought - this guy is going to be a spinal injury."
Buffett fell face-first as he reached out to a fan in the front row.
He misjudged how close he was to the edge of the stage because there were lights in his eyes, Dr Fulde said.
Buffett was knocked unconscious and left bleeding from a deep head wound.
After being stabilised at the scene, he was rushed to hospital for head and neck scans.
The singer showed no sign of amnesia or cognitive impairment and Dr Fulde says the tests came back all clear.
"He just needs a bit of rest, and there's every expectation that he will be able to get to New Zealand to do his concert there," Dr Fulde said.
Buffett's next show is in Auckland on Saturday.
- ABC/AFP
First posted
Comments (4)
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ABC (Moderator):
27 Jan 2011 9:26:14am
Were you at the concert? Share your story.
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Roger:
27 Jan 2011 11:59:57am
I was at both the Sunday concert & last night's and was actually out buying a T/Shirt when it happened , at least he is in excellent hands with Dr Gordian Fulde . I must say these were 2 of the best concerts I have any been to in my life and Jimmy is a singer who deserves increased following locally . I hope he pulls up ok and doesn't need to cancel Auckland . 2012 is too long to wait to see him again , I'm flying to Hawaii next time he appears there .
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Buffetted:
27 Jan 2011 1:46:55pm
Jimmy was lucky. He took the fall not six feet in front of me, and the sound was more shocking than the sight of it. Feared it would be much worse for him until he opened his eyes and said 'oh God', which was admirable understatement in the situation. Full marks to Mr Fulde for being on the spot!
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Parrothead of Perth:
27 Jan 2011 2:36:03pm
Glad I was at the Monday gig. Not a great way to end the night for either Jimmy or the fans. Contrary to my fears, the Opera House was a great venue, I guess because it was small. Get well soon mate and hope to see you back next year
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