Drummer from Sting support act The Christians collapses on stage mid-gig after cardiac arrest

A live gig has been halted in tragic circumstances after a member of a band supporting Sting suffered a cardiac arrest on stage.

A set by The Christians at Liverpool’s Pier Head came to an abrupt end after drummer Lionel Duke suddenly collapsed mid-performance.

Thousands of people gathered for the performance watched on in stunned silence as lead singer Garry Christian called for medical help and a privacy screen was set up on stage, The Mirror reports.

Emma Bridget, the band’s manager, addressed the audience over the speakers, confirming Duke was believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest.

“We’re really hoping he is going to make it. He didn’t have a pulse, he’s got one now, we think. Thank you so much,” she said.

Messages displayed to fans after the incident read: “We appreciate your patience and understanding. Medical staff are with the performer, and we will provide an update as soon as we can.”

The gig was the final night of the On the Waterfront Festival, and was scheduled to be headlined by Grammy winner Sting, as part of his STING 3.0 world tour.

In a social media post hours later, the band wrote: “Thankyou so much to all the many many messages regarding our drummer Lionel Duke who suffered a cardiac arrest while performing at tonight’s amazing concert ahead of Sting”.

“We are awaiting news from the Heart and Chest hospital at Broad Green and thank the phenomenal team of medics present from On The Waterfront Liverpool team who stepped in so swiftly to help our poor Lionel.

“Please send positive vibes his way.”

The Christians had international hits in the 1980s and 1990s. Their first five singles all made the top 40 in Britain, and their eponynmous debut album in 1987 entered the UK albums chart at number two and sold over a million copies.

Their best known single was Ideal World, which reached number 14 in the UK singles chart.