Bad Brains Frontman H.R. to Undergo Brain Surgery – Podcast Preview

Bad Brains frontman H.R. recently stopped by our studio for an upcoming Loudwire Podcast, and he revealed that he is scheduled to undergo brain surgery in February. The procedure will take place with hopes to improve a neurobiological disorder which causes severe cluster headaches.

In March 2016, a GoFundMe page was set up for fans to help support H.R.’s treatment. The rare type of headache is called SUNCT aka “Suicide Syndrome.” “The headaches come randomly, with no warning, at all hours of the day and night; but for him, they are much worse at night,” H.R.’s caregiver shared. “The intensity of the nighttime headaches is so great that he yells, cries out, groans, and sobs—repeatedly, every few minutes, for most of the night. He can't work. He has no quality of life. If you call him and ask how he is, he will say, 'Everything's okay,' because that's just how he is. But everything is not okay.”

Luckily for the punk legend, he’s qualified for brain surgery, which will take place Feb. 21. “[My wife] took me to the hospital so I would learn about what was going on in my head, because I was experiencing bad headaches at the time,” H.R. told us. “And the doctor came to me and he said we’re going to have a surgery.”

H.R. has been managing his condition with a “cocktail of pharmaceuticals” along with a number of holistic substances. “I’ve been dealing with spiralina, wheatgrass, goldenseal and Vitamin A, D and C. I did experience some improvement with these,” HR said.

Despite the serious procedure coming soon, H.R. expressed that he’s not feeling afraid, with his doctor having performed the surgery over 200 times. We’d like to wish H.R. the best of luck with his upcoming procedure. PMA!

Loudwire Podcast #15 with guests H.R. and Finding Joseph I co-author Howie Abrams will become available Feb. 23 on YouTube and iTunes! Finding Joseph I is available now at Amazon.

See Bad Brains' H.R. in the Top 66 Hard Rock + Metal Frontmen of All Time