Keith Duffy reveals ‘pain was horrible’ amid surgery shock after drastic flight ordeal – but issues ‘big show’ update
KEITH Duffy was rushed to hospital in Dubai after cabin pressure on a plane “completely killed” his knee - but vowed to do a show even if he needs to go on stage in a wheelchair.
The crooner, 49, suffered a knee injury during a charity mountain challenge and a later long haul flight left him in crippling agony.
He told : “I went over on it on Wednesday and had to fly to for a concert. The pressurised cabin on the plane completely killed my knee. The pain was so horrible. I had to go straight into hospital for an MRI.”
The Boyzlife singer fell as he took part in the Mount challenge to raise money for children with autism.
Treated at Dubai’s Mediclinic, doctors decided they would delay any surgery on Keith’s knee until he performed with bandmate Brian McFadden tonight in a local stadium.
Speaking before the show, Keith told us: “I definitely need surgery. But I’m going to get through this show.
"Whether on crutches or in a wheelchair the show must go on. I’ll have the best pain management then get home and sort it out.”
The singer paid tribute on “to the doctors and nurses at Dubai’s Mediclinic who helped get me back on my feet for my big show in Dubai”.
Keith's pal Paul Byrne, from BodyBurn Fitness who joined him on the Mount Kenya climb, praised the star, posting: “We are in awe of the incredible strength and determination shown by Keith during the Mount Kenya Challenge!
“Despite battling serious knee pain, he pushed through to the very end, all in support of the Keith Duffy Foundation.
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"Keith’s resilience is an inspiration to us all. His unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the world is truly remarkable.”
Dad-of-two Keith, who admits he has “bad knees already” will be hoping to stay fit for any comeback by his old band Boyzone.
The Irish Sun revealed this month how there is a chance the boyband could perform again on the back of a three part doc series from Sky TV.
Band members Keith, Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, and Mikey Graham are hoping they can benefit from a similar surge in popularity to that enjoyed by Wham! after a recent special.
BOYZONE COMEBACK
Keith told The Irish Sun on Sunday: “That Wham! doc was so huge. If George Michael was still alive, Wham! would’ve gone back out to do a few concerts.
“Maybe after this Boyzone documentary comes out, there’ll be an appetite for us to perform again.”
One of the biggest pop acts of the 1990s, alongside Take That and the Spice Girls, Boyzone will see their story retold in a three-part documentary.
His recent TV doc Keith’s Teeth was a ratings hit pulling an average audience of 243,000 viewers - a 23 per cent audience share - and 16,000 streams on the Player.
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Keith said: "I’m delighted because the first reaction people had was that’s all we need Keith Duffy on RTE talking about his teeth. But I really felt for the people who had bad experiences and I want the children in Ireland to have a working dental service.”
The singer turned actor and TV presenter is in discussions about future TV docs.
