Dorian Cox Discusses Stroke

• 9th Jan 2009

Former Long Blondes guitarist Dorian Cox has spoken about the stroke he suffered last summer following the band's first US tour. Writing for The Guardian, he spoke about his two month stay in a rehabilitation unit and continued weekly visits there, as his recovery continues. He also said that he feels “lucky to be alive at all”.

Cox said: “I remember getting out of bed to go to the bathroom and keeling over on my way. I couldn't move. Luckily, a friend who had visited me the day before had notified staff that I had been feeling ill and a maid came to check on me. [She] found me on the floor. I told her I was fine but that I just needed a hand getting up. When she said she would call an ambulance, I was adamant that there was no need; that if I was helped to my feet I would be fine. It was only when the ambulance arrived and I heard the medics' assessment that I understood that I had had a stroke. At 27 years old, this was the last thing I expected”.

He added: “I feel extremely lucky that, despite having had a very big stroke, at present it seems that the lasting problems are only physical. I count my blessings that my mind and speech have not been affected. In fact, I feel lucky to be alive at all”.

He concluded by saying that doctors have been unable to tell him why he suffered the stroke, but that “the lifestyle that goes with being in a band would have a detrimental effect on anyone's health”. However, he does not regret that lifestyle, saying: “While I wish I hadn't had had a stroke, at least I can say that I was enjoying my life 100% until it happened”.

As previously reported, The Long Blondes split up in October last year as it remains unclear how long it will take for Cox to fully recover.