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And Finally Artist News
Parfitt had second heart attack, and he’s glad about it
By Chris Cooke | Published on Tuesday 26 August 2014
Rick Parfitt is glad he had a second heart attack. In that he reckons it’s a much needed wake-up call.
As previously reported, Status Quo recently had to cancel some shows after Parfitt was taken ill in Croatia. He was flown back to the UK for heart surgery, and has now confirmed that his medical emergency was the result of a heart attack, his second.
The rocker previously had a quadruple heart bypass in 1997, but he admits he didn’t alter his heavy boozing, heavy smoking lifestyle. Until now.
He’s told the Daily Mail: “I’ve had 50 years of smoking and drinking and abusing my body. There comes a time when you have to look at yourself and think, ‘Right, that’s it, it’s now time for a change’. All my life I’ve defied the doctor’s orders, thinking that I’m made of steel. As stupid as this may sound, I’m pleased I’ve had this heart attack because I couldn’t see a way out of my bad habits”.
He’s now gone three weeks without drink and fags, which, he says, is a real achievement for him.
“There are so many advantages I never realised to being sober,” he added. “When I wake up in the morning I want to get up and get the day going and I can’t tell you how much better I feel. I’m going to enjoy my life so much more now. I’m ready to rock, I can’t wait”.
