Punk Legend Rushed To Hospital After On-stage Heart Attack

15 December 2022 | 12:08 pm | Mary Varvaris
Originally Appeared In

"He tried playing on but had to actually stop a couple of songs until he eventually collapsed."

(Source: Supplied)

More The Exploited More The Exploited

The Exploited didn't finish their gig in Colombia recently after vocalist Wattie Buchan collapsed on stage following a suspected heart attack.

The 65-year-old renowned Scottish punk legend has a history of heart problems, and as seen in fan-captured footage, the singer clutched his chest as the band performed Army Life. 

A representative for the band commented to SITV News: "The last gig in Colombia, Wattie had another suspected heart attack. He tried playing on but had to actually stop a couple of songs until he eventually collapsed. He got taken away to hospital in an ambulance, but over 900 people refused to leave the venue until he heard he was alright."

The representative added, "The Exploited are held as idols over here, and Wattie is seen as the king of punk. He has kept the punk movement alive when everyone in the press said it was dead. He is actually a living legend."

The Exploited later posted a statement to social media and confirmed that the remainder of their tour dates would be cancelled to look after Buchan's health. 

"Thankfully, Wattie is feeling better now and is resting in a hotel in Bogota," the band shared after the incident. "Due to doctor’s orders, all remaining shows for 2022 have been cancelled. We apologize to the fans, promoters and everyone affected by this situation. Thank you for understanding. Also our London show on the 16th December will also be cancelled once again we are sorry about this but Wattie is exhausted and told to cancel all upcoming gigs for this year.” 

Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter

Buchan had a heart attack on stage in 2014 during a show in Lisbon, Portugal. "I had a quad heart bypass two years ago, and I thought I wouldn’t be able to do gigs anymore, so I’m just glad I can still do gigs," the singer told I Probably Hate Your Band.

The Exploited was formed in Edinburgh in 1978. The album has released eight albums to date, with their 2003 record Fuck The System the most recent. Two albums by The Exploited peaked in the Top 20 of the UK Albums Chart, with five landing in the Top 20 of the UK Independent Albums Chart.