Rock legend Dave Edmunds, 81, suffered a major cardiac arrest and briefly died in his wife’s arms before being revived through CPR, leaving him with severe brain damage and memory loss, and now facing a heartbreaking battle for survival that has shocked fans and shaken his family to the core.

Beloved Welsh rock musician Dave Edmunds, best known for his chart-topping hit “I Hear You Knocking,” is currently hospitalized and fighting for his life after suffering a major cardiac arrest at age 81.

The shocking incident occurred on the evening of July 29, 2025, and was first made public by his wife of 40 years, Karin Cecilia “Cici” Edmunds, in a deeply emotional Facebook post that has since drawn an outpouring of concern from fans and fellow musicians around the world.

According to Cici, the ordeal began suddenly and unfolded with terrifying speed. “My beloved husband of 40 years has had a major cardiac arrest,” she wrote. “He died in my arms while I desperately tried to keep him alive.”

Her heartbreaking account described the moment Dave collapsed and the chaos that followed. A trained nurse, she immediately began CPR and fought to revive him while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

“I’m still in shock, and I believe I have PTSD from the horrific experience,” she admitted in the post. “He very clearly has brain damage and severe memory loss.”

Edmunds was ultimately revived, but the prognosis remains grim. According to his wife, “The risk of yet another major cardiac arrest is high. And if that occurs, there is no chance for Dave.”

Despite the critical situation, she added that the overwhelming support from fans has offered her a small sense of comfort in what she describes as the most difficult period of their lives.

“Dave will have a very long journey ahead of him if he survives,” she concluded. “But knowing that there are kind-hearted people such as you all makes this tremendously difficult journey a little easier.”

Born on April 14, 1944, in Cardiff, Wales, Edmunds grew up surrounded by early rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues. He formed his first notable band, Love Sculpture, in the late 1960s, where he gained attention for his blazing guitar work and electrifying cover of “Sabre Dance.”

But his true breakout moment came in 1970 when he released a cover of Smiley Lewis’s “I Hear You Knocking.” The single became a smash hit, spending six weeks at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and catapulting Edmunds to international fame.

The following year, he released his solo album *Rockpile*, which included a mix of rock standards and original songs, solidifying his reputation as both a dynamic performer and a skilled producer.

In 1980, Edmunds formed a new band also called Rockpile, recruiting longtime collaborator Nick Lowe, along with guitarist Billy Bremner and drummer Terry Williams.

Their debut album, *Seconds of Pleasure*, featured the hit single “Teacher, Teacher” and remains a cult favorite among rock fans.

Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, Edmunds continued to release solo records and produce albums for other artists, including the Stray Cats and Shakin’ Stevens.

His talent as a producer was matched only by his versatility as a performer, seamlessly blending elements of rockabilly, country, blues, and classic rock.

His final studio album, *On Guitar Dave Edmunds: Rags & Classics*, released in 2015, showcased instrumental renditions of classic songs and offered a quieter, more introspective side of the rocker.

In interviews at the time, Edmunds hinted at slowing down but still expressed his love for music.

“I’m just sitting back at the moment,” he said in a 2015 interview, “and I’m planning the next year or so.” Two years later, in July 2017, longtime friend and collaborator Brian Setzer announced that Edmunds was officially retiring from music.

“It’s with a bittersweet announcement that my good friend and guitar legend Dave Edmunds is retiring after tomorrow night’s show,” Setzer posted. “I wish him all the love in the world in his retirement!”

Since stepping away from the stage, Edmunds has largely stayed out of the public eye, choosing instead to spend his time quietly with his wife at their home.

Friends describe him as deeply private but still passionate about music. His absence from the industry was felt, but fans respected his decision and continued to celebrate his legacy through his recordings and live performance archives.

Now, as news of his cardiac arrest spreads, tributes have begun pouring in from across the music world. Many artists, including those who cite Edmunds as a major influence, have expressed both their admiration for his decades-long career and their hopes for his recovery.

Social media has been flooded with messages of support, clips from past performances, and personal stories from fans who grew up with his music.

The medical team attending Edmunds has not issued an official statement, but family members remain cautiously hopeful while acknowledging the seriousness of his condition.

For now, the future of the legendary guitarist remains uncertain, and all eyes are on the hospital room where one of rock’s most enduring figures fights for his life.

For Cici Edmunds, this ordeal has been not only emotionally devastating but physically and mentally exhausting. “I see flashes of the moment he collapsed every time I close my eyes,” she shared with close friends. Still, she remains by his side, holding on to hope.

As the world waits for updates, one thing is clear — Dave Edmunds’ influence on rock music is undeniable, and his fight for life has touched thousands.

Whether through his blistering guitar solos, unforgettable voice, or quiet resilience, Edmunds continues to inspire, even in his most vulnerable hour.