Painters And Dockers frontman to undergo surgery following accident

Written by Tyler Jenke on 14th May, 2018

Fans of Melbourne pub-rock icons Painters And Dockers would be used to seeing the ever-enigmatic Paulie Stewart parading around the stage like the energetic showman that he is, so it’s understandable that many have been shocked by the news that the band’s iconic frontman has had to pull out of an upcoming show due to being forced to undergo surgery following an accident.

Stewart, who has fronted the group since their 1982 formation, took to the Painters And Dockers Facebook page last night to announce the news to the group’s dedicated fans ahead of the band’s scheduled performance for ‘Back To The Corner’ at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel this weekend alongside Celibate Rifles, X, and more.

“I was recently involved in an accident that resulted in a serious head trauma, causing bleeding on my brain,” Stewart explained. “Doctors are keen to perform surgery this week to relieve pressure caused by the bleeding on the brain. I have little choice but to think of my family and follow the surgeon’s orders.”

“It really pains me to announce that I will not be able to perform at The Corner this Saturday.”

Stewart also explained that despite his absence from the group, the band’s performance on Saturday night will still go ahead as planned, but with a few special guests filling in for him.

“These guests include other artists from the ‘80s, Rob Craw from the Huxton Creepers, Peter Lawler (AKA Dr Pump) from Weddings Parties Anything, Fiona Lee Maynard from Have A Nice Day, Jack Howard from Midnight Oil and the Hunters and Collectors, Triple R DJ and the JVG Guitar Method Jon Von Goes and comedian Damian Callinan.”

“These guests will perform many of the Dockers classics.”

“I am REALLY sorry to let everyone down. I was so looking forward to performing,” concluded Stewart. “I have faith that I will pull through and Dock again in the near future. I have the little group of nuns I work with in East Timor, they are on the case with lots of prayers, so I will be alright.”

“As General McCarthur once said, ‘I Shall Return.'”

This news also happens to coincide with the release of the band’s first new song in 20 years, with ‘Holiday On Ice’ being released on Thursday. While we eagerly await the release of the new song, we wish Paulie Stewart all the best in his recovery!