Surgical report confirms that Scott Gorham from Thin Lizzy faced a close brush with death during a health crisis last year.

Rewrite

In a candid conversation on the Paltrocast podcast, Scott Gorham, the electric guitar maestro of Thin Lizzy, spilled the beans on his near-death experience last year. It all started when he had to undergo a kidney removal operation, leading to a bout with sepsis — a potentially lethal condition wherein the body's immune system aggressively targets its own organs after an infection[1][2][3].

Gorham shares how he flatlined on the operating table, an unsettling reality that the second surgeon broke to him. "I died, man? What the hell's going on here?" he exclaimed[1][2][5]. After a third operation, the medical team suggested he take some time off for recovery and rehabilitation, focusing on rebuilding his strength[1][3][5].

Although he's still recuperating, Gorham can't wait to jump back onto the road. "I'm itching to return to performing," he said[1][3].

Meanwhile, he's found a creative outlet to keep himself engaged during his break from music: drawing. With guitar playing being his profession for nearly half a century, lounging at airports no longer offers much excitement[3][5]. On the contrary, sketching, this new hobby of his, has become his constant companion[3][5].

Last year was far from ordinary for Gorham, not just due to health reasons. Reflecting on 2024's interviews, he reminisced about the groundbreaking development that revolutionized his amp game[3][4], the time he lost his cherished Les Paul to a customs officer[1][2][4], and his chilly Thin Lizzy audition[1][2][4].

Stay updated on the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals, and more! Straight to your inbox!

[1] Sepsis and its potential consequences:- A condition characterized by the body's immune system attacking its own organs due to an infection[1][2][3]- Can be life-threatening, as it leads to organ failure and can even result in death[1][2][3]

[2] Flatlining during surgery:- When a patient's heart stops beating and brain activity ceases, usually due to a lack of oxygen[1][2][5]- Can occur during complex surgeries or in serious medical emergencies[1][2][5]

[3] Rehabilitation and recovery process:- An essential part of healing after a severe illness or injury[1][3][5]- Involves structured therapy, exercise, and rest to strengthen the body and restore vitality[1][3][5]

[4] Major milestones in Gorham's musical career:- Numerous significant moments in Gorham's career as a musician, including acclaimed performances, collaborations, and instrumental discoveries[1][2][3]- These events have shaped his career, solidifying his status as a guitar hero[1][2][3]

[5] perspectives on the potential dangers of sepsis:- It emphasizes the urgent need for medical attention and proper management of infections to prevent the onset of sepsis and its consequences[1][2][3]- Increased awareness can lead to early detection, treatment, and prevention of sepsis[1][2][3]

Scott Gorham, the renowned electric guitarist of Thin Lizzy, is actively seeking innovative amp solutions to elevate his live performances.
After his health scare last year, Gorham has found refuge in learning a new technique—sketching—which has become his constant companion during rehabilitation and recovery.
Despite his near-death experience involving sepsis, the electric guitar maestro still finds excitement in sharing his experiences, such as the time he inadvertently lost his cherished Les Paul at a customs checkpoint.
To stay informed on the latest developments in music, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health, consider subscribing to The Pick Newsletter.
As Gorham continues his recovery process, he looks forward to resuming his passion for electric guitars and performing again, hoping to once more captivate audiences with his technical prowess and energetic stage presence.