Dom Lawson, one of the U.K.’s most recognizable metal journalism voices, is currently recovering in hospital after a heart attack sidelined him during Bloodstock Open Air this past weekend. A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched to support him through recovery.
Lawson broke the news himself in a social media post on Wednesday, August 12, characteristically blunt about the ordeal: “Unfortunately, I had a heart attack on Sunday and was rushed to hospital. Managed to avoid dying, so that was a good start. Looks like I will be having some kind of surgery in the near future. Close shave but you won’t get rid of me that easily.”
He added: “Life’s a funny old c*nt, isn’t it? Also, heart attacks f**king hurt. Would not recommend.”
Lawson‘s byline has been a fixture in heavy music media for more than 20 years. He got his start in 1999, spending seven years at Kerrang! before moving to Metal Hammer and Prog in 2007. From 2014 to 2016, he served as Metal Hammer‘s editor-at-large, overseeing the magazine’s front section and shaping much of its monthly print content. His work has also appeared in Blabbermouth, The Guardian and various other outlets.
Outside of print, Lawson has built a longstanding presence on radio as a TotalRock host, where he currently presents “The Dompilation Tapes,” a show spanning a wide sweep of musical genres.
Lawson remains hospitalized and awaiting surgery, according to the GoFundMe campaign set up by his friend Alex. The fundraiser aims to cover his expenses while he’s unable to take on freelance work, noting that he faces “lots of resting and recuperating for weeks, if not months.”
The campaign’s target is £6,600 (roughly $8,900), and as of this writing, it has already raised £6,263 — putting it within close reach of that goal.
