Ex-Cradle of Filth drummer Nick Barker recently opened up about his ongoing battle with kidney failure. He expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support from the metal community, speaking on the Pod Scum podcast.
Barker discussed how the fans’ donations to his GoFundMe campaign have been crucial for his treatment and recovery. The campaign has raised approximately $95,000.
“I really am [humbled]. My parents weren’t the most loving parents, so to get all the love from fans and the metal community, it really means a lot to me,” Barker said. “It really does. I owe so much to those people and the people that donated. So, I’m really focused on getting my health back and getting back beyond the drums ASAP [as soon as possible].”
The legendary extreme metal drummer also shared details about his upcoming kidney transplant. He discussed the challenges of receiving treatment while living in northern Canada.
“I can’t wait to get the transplant so I can really start getting back doing stuff and get my health and build up my stamina again. It’s one day at a time, but I’ve ticked all the boxes, jumped through all the hoops. It’s just a waiting game now,” he continued. “Because I live in Prince George [in Canada], which is in the north of British Columbia, the renal unit is down in Vancouver, so I’ll have to fly down to Vancouver for the operation.”
Barker revealed his timeline for the procedure. He noted additional requirements he must meet before surgery.
“I’ve got a weight review at the end of March, because I’ve still gotta drop a little bit of weight, because they have to make an incision in the stomach. And that’s where the concentration is,” he explained. “So I’ve got a weight review in the end of March, and my surgeon, the nephrologist, he’s hoping by the end of the year, things will be good.”
Barker’s health struggles represent a significant challenge for one of extreme metal’s most accomplished drummers. His career spans over three decades and includes work with some of the genre’s most influential bands.
Blabbermouth reported that the 52-year-old started playing drums at age 13. He launched his professional career in 1993 at age 20 when he joined Cradle of Filth. His tenure with the British black metal icons lasted through four albums and world tours, establishing him as a formidable force in extreme metal drumming.
Following his departure from Cradle of Filth in 1999, Barker joined Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir. He remained with the band until 2004. Sonor Drums noted that his work with these two pioneering bands cemented his reputation as one of the most skilled drummers in the extreme metal scene.
Beyond his work with Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir, Barker has been involved in session work with numerous notable acts including Testament, Exodus, Brujeria, and Gorgoroth. His versatility and technical prowess have made him a sought-after drummer across various subgenres of extreme metal.
The kidney failure that has sidelined Barker began during a 2022 tour with Brujeria alongside Napalm Death. MusicRadar revealed that he has been on hemodialysis since January 2023 after experiencing full renal failure. The drummer now faces the additional challenge of needing to lose 20-30 pounds before his transplant operation can proceed.
