Vocalist of The Exploited Suffers Suspected Heart Attack Onstage

The Exploited vocalist Wattie Buchan was rushed to the hospital last weekend after he collapsed onstage from a suspected heart attack during a performance in Bogota, Colombia. It happened as the long-running Scottish punk rock band played the venue La Estrella Roja Calle 66, according to Blabbermouth.

Buchan, the 65-year-old punk legend, has a history of heart problems, and he has collapsed onstage in the past. Last Saturday (Dec. 10), the musician seemingly had trouble breathing near the end of The Exploited's set, collapsing on the third-to-last song. He played two more songs after collapsing, as setlist.fm noted.

"The last gig in Colombia, Wattie had another suspected heart attack," a spokesperson told STV News. "He tried playing on but had to actually stop a couple of songs until he eventually collapsed. He got taken away to hospital in an ambulance but over 900 people refused to leave the venue until they heard he was alright."

They added, "The Exploited are held as idols over here, and Wattie is seen as the king of punk. He has kept the punk movement alive when everyone in the press said it was dead. He is actually a living legend."

The Exploited have canceled their remaining 2022 tour dates while Buchan recovers. In 2017, the singer was similarly hospitalized with a serious heart condition. In 2014, he suffered a heart attack onstage. The Exploited drummer Wullie Buchan, Wattie's brother, was hospitalized for a heart attack last year.

"Thankfully am feeling a bit better but still really fucked," Wattie relayed in a message on Sunday (Dec. 11). "Am resting in a hotel in Bogota and We hope to be able to return safely home to the UK tomorrow. Due to doctor's orders all remaining shows for 2022 have been cancelled."

Loudwire wishes Wattie all the best in his recovery. Read the rest of his message below.

Yesterday, December 10th, 2022 during the end of the set I collapsed on stage in Bogota, COL and was rushed into hospital by ambulance. Thankfully am feeling a bit better but still really fucked. Am resting in a hotel in Bogota and We hope to be able to return safely home to the UK tomorrow. Due to doctor´s orders all remaining shows for 2022 have been cancelled, including tonight’s performance in Cali, COL. We apologize to the fans, promoters and everyone affected by this situation. Thank you for understanding. Last but not least the gig last night was fucking amazing great people thank you so much Punks Not Dead cheers Wattie