Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers Health Battle: Here’s all you may want to know

Rock legend Paul Rodgers, known for his role in Bad Company, recently shared the details of a harrowing health ordeal during an interview with CBS Mornings on September 27. He disclosed that he endured two major strokes, one in 2016 and another in 2019, along with a staggering 11 minor strokes, a dire situation that nearly spelled the end of his music career.

Speaking about his experience, Rodgers admitted, "I couldn't do anything, to be honest. I couldn't speak. That was a very strange thing. You know, I'd prepare something in my mind and I'd say it, but that isn't what came out, and I'd go, 'What the heck did I just say?'"

Following his 2019 stroke, he underwent a carotid endarterectomy to remove plaque from the arteries in his neck leading to the brain. Medical professionals cautioned Rodgers about substantial risks, given the proximity of the procedure to his vocal cords. Rodgers humorously recalled their warning, saying, "They told me, they're very clear, 'You may not come out of this alive.' And I said, 'Oh, well, that's a plus, isn't it?' Fingers crossed, you know? And when I woke up, I opened my eyes, I thought, 'Oh, I'm still here.'"


Although his recovery proved arduous, Rodgers managed to resume playing music six months later. Reflecting on his progress, he shared, "Each thing was a step forward. Each thing that I did was an achievement. 'Oh, I can do this. I can sing.'"

Rodgers recently released his first solo album in over two decades, titled "Midnight Rose." He described the accomplishment as "kind of a miracle" given the challenges he had faced.

FAQs

When did Paul Rodgers suffer his major strokes?
Paul Rodgers suffered two major strokes, one in 2016 and another in 2019, within the past seven years.

What procedure did Paul Rodgers undergo after his 2019 stroke, and what were the associated risks?
Following his 2019 stroke, Paul Rodgers underwent a carotid endarterectomy to remove plaque from neck arteries near his vocal chords. Doctors warned of the serious risks, including the possibility of not surviving the procedure.