Legendary Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee Shares His Near-Death Experience After Sepsis Diagnosis During the Holidays

The renowned Swedish percussionist, Mikkey Dee, took to social media on Thursday, December 2, to share a harrowing update about his health. He revealed that he had been hospitalized due to a severe blood infection diagnosed as sepsis, a condition that can be life-threatening. Dee expressed his gratitude for the support he received and described the situation as “very serious,” shedding light on the severity of his health scare during the festive season. This alarming incident has not only impacted his life but also highlighted the importance of being vigilant about health issues.

Mikkey Dee shared, “I was admitted for three weeks but now I am home fighting this bastard bacteria,” illustrating the tough battle he faced against this dangerous infection. He expressed immense gratitude towards the medical professionals at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, his hometown, for their exceptional care and support during his hospital stay. Dee emphasized that their dedication played a significant role in his recovery process, reinforcing the critical nature of accessible healthcare and the expertise of healthcare providers in managing serious conditions.

Dee expressed heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated healthcare professionals, stating, “So thanks a million to all the Doctors and Nurses that have been giving me the most excellent care.” After enduring multiple surgeries, he is now back in the comfort of his home, where he is committed to his recovery process. Dee mentioned that his health indicators are improving, reflecting a positive trajectory in his recovery. However, he acknowledges that there is still a significant amount of rehabilitation ahead of him, emphasizing the importance of patience and perseverance in overcoming such a serious health challenge.

In a revealing interview with Swedish publication Aftonbladet, Dee elaborated on his alarming health ordeal. He recounted how a simple ankle sprain quickly escalated into a critical situation the weekend before Christmas. The swelling in his ankle became alarming, taking on a bizarre shape that he humorously likened to “an overcooked ham.” His condition worsened to the point where he required an ambulance to transport him to Sahlgrenska Hospital, where doctors discovered his dangerously elevated health markers, promptly prioritizing his treatment. This experience underscores the unpredictability of health issues that can arise from seemingly minor injuries.

Dee described his urgent medical intervention, stating, “It was surgery right away, the first of three.” The medical team performed immediate surgery to remove dead tissue and infected areas, as his condition was critical. He candidly reflected on his experience, admitting, “It was not a good journey I was on… Another day and I’d be playing drums with Lemmy in heaven.” His words poignantly illustrate the gravity of his health scare and the fine line between life and death that he faced during this ordeal.

In a strange twist of fate, Dee’s near-fatal health crisis occurred almost nine years to the day after the passing of his Motörhead bandmate, Lemmy Kilmister, on December 28, 2015. This synchronicity adds a profound layer to Dee’s experience, as it serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life. Additionally, just weeks prior, Dee had taken to his social media to dispel rumors regarding his own death, making this health scare even more poignant. It reflects the unexpected challenges artists face, where public perception can shift dramatically in an instant.

Mikkey Dee first gained fame as a pivotal member of the Danish heavy metal band King Diamond in the 1980s. His exceptional talent and dedication later led to his recruitment by Motörhead, where he replaced the legendary Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor on drums. Dee’s tenure with Motörhead lasted until the band’s dissolution in 2015 following Lemmy’s death, showcasing his significant influence in the rock music scene. Following this, he joined the iconic German rock band, the Scorpions, continuing to make his mark in the music world.