Chris Rea in 'stable' condition after collapsing mid-song on stage

Singer Chris Rea has concerned his fans after collapsing on stage during a performance in Oxford last night [9 December].

The Driving Home For Christmas hitmaker is said to be in ‘stable’ condition following the incident, which comes one year after he suffered a stroke.

Chris was midway through a performance when he collapsed. Copyright: [PA]
Chris was midway through a performance when he collapsed. Copyright: [PA]

Fans at the event have claimed that Chris began shaking mid-way through a song before he dropped to the ground.

A spokesperson for South Central Ambulance Service confirmed: “An ambulance was called at 9.30pm to an incident in George St in Oxford.

“We have a crew on scene and one patient has been taken to hospital.”

Darren Fewins, a fan who was watching the show with his wife, told the Press Association that the 66-year-old star had been on stage for 40 to 45 minutes before he fell backwards.

The star is said to be in ‘stable’ condition. Copyright: [PA]
The star is said to be in ‘stable’ condition. Copyright: [PA]

He said: “He was standing by the microphone and he had the guitar in his hand and he kept shaking his left hand as if there was something not quite right with it.

“He walked forward to the microphone and he was trying to grab the microphone with his left hand, and it was swinging from side-to-side.

“Then he just collapsed on the stage backwards. There was no one there to catch him, he just fell into a clump.

“He was on his back for about two minutes before they brought the curtain down and then that was it.”

Chris suffered a stroke last year. Copyright: [Getty]
Chris suffered a stroke last year. Copyright: [Getty]

Another concertgoer tweeted: “The evening had been brilliant up til now with Chris on top form but Chris Rea has just collapsed on stage at the New Theatre Oxford where I’m watching him.

“Fell backwards in a clump on the stage. Really doesn’t look good. I’m quite upset.”

The New Theatre in Oxford have not commented in the incident.

Chris suffered a stroke in 2016, limiting the mobility in his arms and fingers as well as leaving him with slightly slurred speech, however, he has continued to perform and last night’s performance was part of his The Road Songs for Lovers European Tour.

Yahoo Celeb UK have contacted Chris’ rep for comment.

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