Norwich musician Phil Cooke suffers brain haemorrhage
Published:
2:30 p.m. July 8, 2022
The family and bandmates of a popular Norwich musician have thanked townspeople for their support after the singer suffered major medical trauma.
Phil Cooke, 49, from Hales, suffered a devastating brain haemorrhage in April which left him in a coma for three weeks.
Phil’s family said the musician – whose day job is as a car salesman – remains in hospital and has a “long recovery ahead of him”.
Phil is the lead singer of Norwich metal band Uridium
– Credit: Provided by Paul Cutting
The guitarist, singer and saxophonist has been an integral part of the Norwich music scene since the 90s.
He has played in a variety of bands, including 0898 and Texas Edge – and most recently as the lead singer of heavy metal band Uridium.
Feeling helpless, Uridium banded together to help in the best way possible – through music.
His team-mate Paul Cutting said: “We miss him. That’s the worst thing.
Phil Cooke (bottom) with Uridium bandmates (LR) Ian Hill, Gary Vescio, Paul Cutting and James Morgan
– Credit: Provided by Paul Cutting
“Phil is the nicest guy you’ve ever met.”
When Phil’s health deteriorated, the five musicians were in the semi-finals of a competition that could win them a place at the UK’s biggest heavy metal festival, Bloodstock.
The band are holding a charity concert at The Brickmakers on July 17 for Brain Research UK with nine bands performing – most of which were also in competition.
Uridium on stage
– Credit: Provided by Paul Cutting
Paul added that they were “really touched” by the support from the Norwich music scene: “We have singers from other bands stepping up and learning as many songs as they can.
“That’s it for Phil and his family.
“That’s all we can do.
Phil Cooke playing saxophone with Cover Story at Walnut Tree Shades in 2013
– Credit: Honor Ash
“We cannot understand what happened.”
Phil’s child, Honor Ash, said the community came together to support Phil and his family in the weeks following his haemorrhage.
They will also sing with Uridium at the Brickies concert.
Phil’s bandmate Paul said the lead singer was ‘the nicest guy you’ve ever met’
– Credit: Provided by Paul Cutting
“The concert is happening because the community wanted to do something productive,” they said.
“As in any crisis, everyone wants to help.
“The brain is an inexact field of medical science.
Phil Cooke (center) performing with Cover Story at Walnut Tree Shades in 2013
– Credit: Honor Ash
“It will help anyone in the same situation. Brain Research UK is investigating exactly what happened to Dad.
“But making the best of this situation was the attitude everyone around us had.”
