Joaquin Sabina Undergoes Surgery for Head Trauma After Falling From Stage in Madrid: Reports

Spanish singer-songwriter Joaquín Sabina reportedly underwent emergency surgery for a cranial blood clot Thursday morning (Feb. 13) after falling over six feet from a stage during a sold out concert at Madrid’s WiZink Center. He remains in stable condition after the operation, according to Spanish media reports including El Pais.

Sabina, one of Spain’s best-known and beloved artists, was reportedly performing Wednesday (Feb. 12) — his 71st birthday-together with fellow septuagenarian icon Joan Manuel Serrat, when he plunged almost six feet to the ground. Sabina appeared to be blinded by a spotlight when he lost his balance and fell.

The artist, known for his poetry and humor, was taken out of the arena on a stretcher, and after reportedly being diagnosed with an intracranial hematoma, was kept in a Madrid hospital overnight for observation. By morning, reports say doctors determined that “a small blood” clot had formed and performed emergency surgery.

Sabina’s representative, José Navarro Berry, has informed the media that the operation was successful.