Sting's support act suffers cardiac arrest live on stage in Liverpool as festival halted

A live set by The Christians at Liverpool’s Pier Head came to a sudden halt after a band member collapsed mid-performance, suffering what was described as a cardiac arrest.

Lead singer Garry Christian urgently called for medical help as the incident unfolded, prompting crew to set up a privacy screen on stage. Emergency responders quickly arrived, and the performer was treated before being taken away in an ambulance.

A woman believed to be the band’s manager, Emma Bridget, addressed the stunned crowd with an emotional update:
“We’re really hoping he is going to make it. He didn’t have a pulse, he’s got one now, we think. Thank you so much."

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"I’m just so sorry because Garry loves Liverpool and he wanted to put on the show of his life and we’re really devastated but thank you so much.”

Messages displayed to fans after the incident read: “We appreciate your patience and understanding. Medical staff are with the performer, and we will provide an update as soon as we can.”

The crowd, numbering in the thousands, remained quiet and concerned as the situation unfolded. No further details on the performer’s current condition have been shared.

Sunday brings the final night of the 2025 On The Waterfront festival. The festival has been underway at the Pier Head since Thursday as thousands have flocked to the city's waterfront to watch a host of musicians.

The last night of the concert is scheduled to be headlined by Sting. The Grammy Award winning artist is making his long awaited return to the city as part of his STING 3.0 World Tour.

The Christians, from Liverpool, had the highest selling debut album of any artist at Island Records and international chart hits in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The band took its name from the surname of the three original brothers in the lineup - a fitting choice that also happens to be guitarist Henry Priestman’s middle name.

The Christians were formed in 1985 by Garry Christian (lead vocals), Roger Christian (vocals and instrumentalist), Russell Christian (keyboards, saxophone, vocals), and Henry Priestman (keyboards, guitars, vocals). Priestman, although not a relative, shared the Christian name by coincidence. Early members also included Paul Barlow on drums, Mike Bulger on guitar and vocals, and Tony Jones on bass.

Roger Christian stepped away from the group in 1987, choosing not to tour and instead focusing on a solo album. He later passed away in 1998 following a battle with a brain tumour.

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