The Wiggles updated fans on founding member Greg Page's condition after the singer was rushed to a Sydney, Australia, hospital on Friday (Jan. 17) near the end of the beloved children's band's brushfire relief benefit reunion show. "As has been reported, our friend Greg Page suffered a cardiac arrest at the end of the bushfire relief performance and was taken to hospital," the group wrote on Friday. "He has had a procedure and is now recovering in hospital. We appreciate your kind messages and concern."
As has been reported, our friend Greg Page suffered a cardiac arrest at the end of the bushfire relief performance and was taken to hospital. He has had a procedure and is now recovering in hospital. We appreciate your kind messages and concern.
— The Wiggles (@TheWiggles) January 17, 2020
They also posted a photo of Page giving the thumbs up from his hospital bed. "We’ve visited Greg this morning & he wanted to thank everyone for their well wishes," they wrote. "He’s so grateful for the messages of love & support from around the world. Greg’s main concern was that the show tonight should go on. Let’s do it for Greg whilst raising much needed funds."
We’ve visited Greg this morning & he wanted to thank everyone for their well wishes. He’s so grateful for the messages of love & support from around the world. Greg’s main concern was that the show tonight should go on. Let’s do it for Greg whilst raising much needed funds pic.twitter.com/8CBT7P8roA
— The Wiggles (@TheWiggles) January 18, 2020
The group performed a second relief show over the weekend during which they were joined by Emma Wiggle, Simon Wiggle and "a few Wiggly friends and musicians," who jumped in to help in Page's absence.
Tonight’s updates set times. The wonderful Emma Wiggle, Simon Wiggle and a few Wiggly friends and musicians will all be jumping in while Greg recovers, to make sure this is a great show -- pic.twitter.com/6C762MJLVA
— The Wiggles (@TheWiggles) January 18, 2020
The benefit shows for the Australian Red Cross and the NSW Wildlife Information and Rescue Education Services were announced two weeks ago as fundraisers to combat the ongoing deadly wildfire crisis in the country that has drawn millions in support from a number of artists to assist those battling the historic blazes. The instantly sold-out gigs at Castle Hill RSL were the first time original members -- Page, Anthony Field, Murray Cook and Jeff Fatt -- had appeared on stage together since 2016.
Page, who turned 48 on Thursday, retired from performing in 2006 after being diagnosed with a chronic condition that causes dizzyness, fatigue and nausea called orthostatic intolerance, which had reportedly left him debilitated.