Bring Me The Horizon frontman Oli Sykes has issued an apology to fans following a shocking incident during the band’s May 11th concert in St. Louis. He was struck in the head by a mobile phone thrown from the audience, resulting in a mild concussion that affected his performance for the remainder of the show.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Sykes explained the severity of his injury and its impact on his ability to perform. “Alright everyone — just wanted to let you know I’m all good. The phone to the head definitely smarted and I ended up with a mild concussion, but the swelling’s gone down a decent amount already,” he wrote. He continued, “Last night I was struggling a bit on stage afterwards because signing was putting a lot of pressure on the wound and making things feel a bit disorienting while performing, so I’m sorry on my part for what may of seemed like a half hearted performance. Appreciate everyone checking in and worrying about me though. Everything should be fine for tonight gig.”
The incident highlights the dangers performers face when interacting with large crowds. Sykes’ transparent communication with fans demonstrates his commitment to keeping them informed about his wellbeing. Despite the injury, he remained optimistic about his recovery and upcoming performances.
The phone struck Sykes during the band’s performance at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, according to Louder Sound. It hit him in the temple area and caused immediate visible swelling and scratches. The frontman reacted onstage with frustration, calling out the person responsible and questioning why someone would throw a phone at his head. The impact was significant enough to cause him physical pain and disorientation throughout the remainder of the set.
Sykes was at the front of the stage engaging with the crowd as he typically does during performances when the incident occurred. Eyewitnesses noted the temple swelling and scratches persisted visibly even after the initial impact, as reported by Loudwire. This observation underscores the force with which the phone was thrown.
The concussion forced Sykes and the band to make adjustments to their setlist and stage movements during the May 11th show. Per Louder Sound, the band cut “YOUtopia” from the setlist. Sykes also skipped his usual crowdwalk during “Drown,” appearing reluctant to approach the catwalk and frequently touching his head throughout the performance. These modifications reflected the disorientation and discomfort he was experiencing as a result of the injury.
Despite the challenges, Sykes powered through the remainder of the concert, demonstrating his professionalism and dedication to the fans who had come to see the band perform. His quick recovery and positive outlook suggest that the mild concussion did not cause any long-term damage. He was cleared to continue with the band’s tour schedule
Following the St. Louis incident on May 11th, Bring Me The Horizon had several shows lined up across North America. The band performed in Kansas City, Missouri on May 12th at the T-Mobile Center. According to YouTube coverage, Sykes confirmed his readiness for subsequent performances despite the injury. The tour continued with dates in Saint Paul, Minnesota on May 13th at the Grand Casino Arena. Additional shows followed in Rosemont, Illinois and Columbus, Ohio later in the month.
Sykes’ determination to continue performing just hours after suffering a concussion reflects both his commitment to his fans and the resilience required of professional musicians. His transparent communication about his injury and recovery process has been appreciated by the Bring Me The Horizon fanbase. Fans expressed concern and support for the frontman during this challenging time.
