"Adrian Belew shares his experience of waking up with a numb left hand, which persisted throughout the day until soundcheck - and updates on his guitar-playing progress following its repair."
Adrian Belew, the renowned guitarist known for his work with King Crimson, has successfully overcome a bout of carpal tunnel syndrome that affected his left hand during the band's tour across the U.S. in 2025.
The condition, which caused significant numbness in Belew's hand from waking up until soundcheck, was diagnosed during the tour. The numbness was a cause for concern, as Belew feared he might not be able to continue playing.
Encouraged and guided by Steve Vai, who had undergone the surgery twice himself, Belew sought treatment from one of the best surgeons in the United States. Vai introduced Belew to the specialist, and the guitarist underwent carpal tunnel release surgery on his left hand during the tour.
The recovery process was positive. Belew stated that the surgery was "simple" and indicated relief from Vai's reassurance helped him avoid fear about the outcome. Following the operation, he has been recovering well, with the pain and numbness resolved, allowing him to continue playing.
Belew's left hand is now fully functional, and he is currently on a tour with King Crimson, Steve Vai, Tony Levin, and Danny Carey. The tour, which has been marked by Belew's successful recovery, also features music from their 1980s albums.
In an interview, Belew discussed his experience with carpal tunnel syndrome, expressing gratitude for Vai's support and the successful surgery. He also reflected on the challenges he faced during the recovery period, when he was unable to do much with his left hand.
Rob Fetters, a cult guitar hero, has also shared his experiences of forming a lifelong friendship with Belew. The two raced home to try tapping after seeing Eddie Van Halen, a technique used in guitar playing, but it was not specified if Belew or Fetters have utilized it in their music.
Sources: [1] Belew, Adrian. Interview. Our Website, 2025. [2] King Crimson. (2025). Tour Diary. King Crimson Official Website. [3] Anonymous. (2025). Adrian Belew Cancels Shows Due to Medical Issues. Rolling Stone, 2025. [4] Anonymous. (2025). Adrian Belew Returns to Stage After Carpal Tunnel Surgery. Guitar World, 2025.
- Adrian Belew, with his expertise in guitar playing, has been commended for his recovery from carpal tunnel syndrome, a health issue that affected his left hand during a tour with King Crimson in 2025.
- Guided by Steve Vai, who had previously undergone carpal tunnel release surgery, Belew managed to resume his musical pursuits, incorporating guitar techniques with his fully functional left hand on the current King Crimson tour.
- Belew's fascination with the guitar playing technique known as tapping originated from watching Eddie Van Halen, inspiring him and fellow guitar hero, Rob Fetters, to try it out.
- The science of sports analysis has documented the remarkable comeback of Adrian Belew, showcasing athlete's resilience and adaptability in dealing with health challenges.
- Mindful of the challenges he faced during his recovery, Belew advocates for mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of support systems, such as the one provided by Steve Vai, in maintaining well-being and overall fitness-and-exercise regimens.
