Dennis Lyxzén, the frontman of legendary Swedish hardcore band Refused, suffered a major heart attack on Thursday morning (June 13th). The 51-year-old singer reported the news via his Instagram page, along with sharing a photo of himself on a hospital bed.
“So this morning I had a massive heart attack at my hotel room,” began Lyxzén. “It was extremely painful and wildly scary. Thanks the the wonderful doctors and nurses at the Uppsala hospital I’m still around to fight another day. Under the circumstances I feel ok. Sore and tired and really shook up.”
He continued, “I real really hate cancelling show but the doctor said no rock for a couple of weeks. Which means that the @refused show at @rosendalgardenparty is not happening. A complete bummer as I was really looking forward to it. But hopefully I/we will be able to make up to you soon.”
Lyxzén concluded, “The good news is that with medication I can get back to my rocking self hopefully sooner than later. Life is weird and precious. Take care of each and tell your loved ones that you love them.”
As Lyxzén noted, Refused have been forced to cancel their Friday (June 14th) show at the Rosendal Garden Party in Stockholm, which was the band’s only scheduled concert of the year.
Lyxzén, who’s known for his high-flying live performances, also fronted the band The (International) Noise Conspiracy, and is currently a member of the supergroup Fake Names, featuring Brian Baker (Minor Threat, Bad Religion) and others.
Refused are one of the most influential hardcore bands to emerge in the 1990s, with their 1998 album, The Shape of Punk to Come, widely considered an all-time classic.
Here’s wishing Dennis Lyxzén a full and speedy recovery. See his Instagram post below, followed by our 2020 video interview with the singer.