Jimmy Barnes has shared a devastating health update after being hospitalised with pneumonia two weeks ago.
The legendary n rocker, 67, took to Instagram on Wednesday to update fans on his condition, confirming that he will soon be undergoing open heart surgery after the bacterial infection spread to his heart.
Two weeks ago Barnes was forced to cancel his headlining appearance at Rock the Boat cruise festival in Noumea, New Caledonia, after being hospitalised with bacterial pneumonia.
He was also forced to pull out of his scheduled performance at By The C in Torquay on December 2 due to his condition.
Things took a turn for the worse this week after doctors discovered Barnes’ health had deteriorated.
Jimmy Barnes, 66, (pictured) has shared a devastating health update after being hospitalised with pneumonia two weeks ago
‘Unfortunately I got some bad news late yesterday… despite everyone’s best efforts the bacterial infection I’ve been battling over the last fortnight has apparently now spread to my heart,’ he wrote in a statement on Wednesday.
‘It’s infected an otherwise healthy valve that was replaced some years ago due to a congenital defect, so I’ll be getting open heart surgery over the next few hours to clear this infection and put in a clean valve.’
Barnes went on to express his frustration and shock at the diagnosis, writing: ‘Obviously this is going to take me out of action for a while. I know lots of other people are battling even worse things but it still feel hugely frustrating. Just a few weeks ago I was the fittest I’ve been in decades!
The legendary n rocker took to Instagram on Wednesday to update fans on his condition, confirming that the bacterial infection he has been battling has spread to his heart
Barnes shares a close relationship with his son Campbell (right), who is also a talented singer
‘Anyway, as you can hopefully appreciate, this has all happened very suddenly so it’s going to take a few days for everyone to figure out what is going to be doable with my upcoming shows.’
He went on to apologise to his fans for ‘the inconvenience’ his condition will cause. and asked them to remain patient as his ‘team works hard to figure things out’.
‘A new plan will be announced as soon as possible,’ he said.
Barnes then praised his wife Jane for caring for him during such a difficult time.
‘In the meantime I’d like to thank my darling Jane for her around the clock love and care over the last few weeks in particular – as always I’d be lost without her,’ he wrote.
‘I’d also like to thank the doctors and nurse who’ve been amazing and all the people who have sent me ‘get well’ messages. You’ve all lifted my spirits and I’m sincerely grateful,’ he continued.
Signing off before heading into surgery, Barnes added: ‘Given the serious nature of this operation I probably won’t be posting again for the new few weeks so all the best to you and yours for the holidays.
‘Here’s hoping 2024 is full of much better things! Love from Jimmy.’
Barnes then praised his wife Jane (left) for caring for him during such a difficult time. ‘In the meantime I’d like to thank my darling Jane for her around the clock love and care over the last few weeks in particular – as always I’d be lost without her,’ he wrote.
Campbell also delivered an update on his dad’s health during a live segment on Today Extra to reassure fans
Barnes’ son, Today Extra host David Campbell, has since re-shared the Cold Chisel frontman’s post, adding the caption, ‘Sending love to my dad’.
Campbell also delivered an update on his father’s health during a live segment on Today Extra to reassure fans.
‘I am here to allay everyone’s fears. He is in wonderful hands. He is extremely frustrated I think. He feels very much over it,’ Campbell said.
He noted that Barnes is not only frustrated on behalf of his fans who have been looking forward to seeing his shows – he is also irritated for his band and crews who work hard to make his concerts happen.
Campbell continued: ‘He is very grateful to the nurse doctors for picking this up. If he didn’t get bacterial pneumonia he would have never have picked this up.
‘He is in the best hands and we feel very very confident with the doctors. He is going to make a great recovery so please reach out to him on social media and send him all of the love in the world,’ he added.
Campbell reiterated that his dad is ‘going to be just good’, and clarified that he will find out more once he comes out of surgery.
The update comes two weeks after Barnes revealed he was hospitalised with a severe infection and forced to cancel upcoming gigs
The Scottish-born n rock singer is one of ‘s most popular music artists of all time. (Pictured performing with Cold Chisel in 2020)
The update comes two weeks after Barnes revealed he was hospitalised with a severe infection and forced to cancel upcoming gigs.
‘I’m sorry to let you know that I’ve been receiving intravenous antibiotics over the last 36 hours to treat bacterial pneumonia,’ he wrote on Facebook at the time.
‘Unfortunately, this has stopped me travelling to Noumea to join Rock The Boat 2023 as planned,’ he continued.
‘My band will still perform on board, together with my daughter Mahalia and other special guests.
‘I’d like to apologise sincerely to everyone for the inconvenience and disappointment this has caused, but the doctors have confined me to bed for two days.
‘The timing couldn’t be worse. I’m expected to make a full recovery in time to perform live at By The C in Torquay,’ Jimmy concluded.
Jimmy was on bed rest for months earlier this year and was forced to cancel his summer tour to receive emergency hip surgery.
He underwent a major hip operation in late 2022 to ease years of chronic pain.
‘We had some (live) things planned, but they fell through because of my surgery,’ he said at the time.
Barnes spent time recovering in his second home in Thailand with his wife Jane and was on the mend in recent months.
He had to regain his strength and for some weeks required the aid of a cane to walk, but had made a full recovery by March.
READ MORE: Jimmy Barnes updates fans on his recovery journey following major operation
