“We had to adjust a lot”: When Mikkey Dee could not convince Lemmy to stop touring
In January, fans of Motörhead and Scorpions were worried as the drummer Mikkey Dee was rushed to the hospital with sepsis. He seems to be okay, but there were nerves for a period as he had to stay in the hospital for monitoring.
“Just a quick statement about what has been happening to me these past three weeks: First, I like to thank everyone for these heartwarming Christmas and New Year greetings that I have not been able to respond to,” he wrote. “I always try to do that every year.”
He continued, discussing his hospitalisation and diagnosis. “This holiday season, I have been hospitalised with a very serious blood infection (sepsis). I was admitted for three weeks, but now I am home fighting this bastard bacteria,” he added. “Thankfully, I have received fantastic care at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, my hometown. So thanks a million to all the doctors and nurses that have been giving me the most excellent care.”
As Dee recovers, he still isn’t in good enough health to head out on tour with Scorpions. The band were due to play a residency at the Vegas Sphere, and while they were excited about the shows, it has been confirmed that they need to be put off while Dee continues his recovery.
The band took to social media to confirm the news that they would not be able to do the tour dates. They made reference to Mikkey Dee’s ongoing recovery and said that because of his recent hospitalisation and his continued efforts to get better, the gigs in the Sphere will not be able to take place just yet. They kindly pointed out that while they are excited to perform for their fans in such an iconic venue, they put the health of their bandmates first.
While fans were disappointed that Scorpions would not be able to play their Vegas residency, Dee has a lot of prior experience touring with health issues and, therefore, knows when he will be in good enough condition to play live. When Lemmy’s health started to decline, Dee tried to convince him to stop touring for a while. They were due to play in Europe, but Dee said he should cancel the gigs and take some time off. Despite the good intentions behind Dee’s suggestion, Lemmy wasn’t entertaining the idea of stopping gigging.
“Instead of arguing with Lemmy, trying to get him off the road, let’s just help him instead,” Dee said the band decided. “I remember shows where we had to adjust a lot of stuff, but I think we, and he, did fantastic. Our last show was December 7th in Berlin, and then a couple of weeks later, the man is gone. Trust me, me and Phil put in 150%, Lemmy must have put in 300% to get through the sets.”
While fans will be disappointed that Scorpions can’t play their upcoming shows, it’s important that artists look after their health, as Dee knows more than most people. He is taking the time he needs to ensure he’s in good enough health when the band hit the road. As he concluded, “It was not a good journey I was on… Another day, and I’d be playing drums with Lemmy in heaven. I can say that.”
