Fleshgod Apocalypse vocalist and guitarist Francesco Paoli has shared an update on his ongoing recovery from a serious 2021 rock climbing accident, revealing the results of a recent reconstructive procedure on his left hand.
The Italian symphonic death metal musician underwent the latest surgery a couple of weeks ago, with doctors transplanting tissue from his hip to rebuild areas of his hand that had been left severely damaged by the accident. Paoli shared before-and-after photos alongside a lengthy message reflecting on his recovery and thanking those who have supported him throughout the process.
The original fall left Paoli with numerous injuries, including significant nerve damage. In 2022, he underwent surgery involving a nerve transplant from his leg to his elbow to address some of that damage. He has also continued to deal with lasting effects on one of his feet.
While the latest operation has improved the appearance and feel of his left hand, Paoli explained that the damage caused by an interruption to his ulnar nerve has resulted in permanent loss of sensation and muscle function between the bones of his hand. He has adapted his playing technique with unconventional solutions, including rubber bands, to continue performing.
In his social media update, Paoli shared the following message:
“Hey everyone, sorry if I haven’t posted much lately, but as you know social media is not my cup of tea and I’m turning more and more into an old fart! Anyway, I felt like a health update was due to all the people who supported me after the accident I had in 2021 and kept doing so throughout my recovery which, as you can see, isn’t complete yet. Yes, after 5 years I’m still working on fixing what’s fixable and after sorting out my arm and foot, we finally moved on to my left hand.
Due to my ulnar nerve interruption, I basically lost sensation and most of the muscles that lie between the bones of my hand. Unfortunately, that is gonna stay; I accept it and worked out exotic solutions (like rubber bands) to keep doing what I love the most, playing.
But my hand was almost skeletal and we had to do something to protect the structures that were still working in there, like bones, ligaments, veins, tendons, etc… So a couple of weeks ago, I underwent another reconstruction surgery and here is my ‘new’ hand! (Pics 7-12) They took some tissue from my hip and transplanted it into the ‘empty’ areas of my hand. It looks and feels much better! Also, it’s super cool to know that thanks to science I have a piece of my leg in my arm and some hip in my hand, ahah! The surgery went well, but I’m not done yet. I will likely have to do another ‘refinement’ next year, but it’s accounted for and planned in the band’s schedule so we won’t miss any show!
Again, I feel so fortunate and thankful to be here sharing more positive news with you all; it’s miraculous indeed. Yet, at the same time, my thoughts are constantly with all the guys (and I met a ton of great people in these last 5 years) who weren’t as lucky, unfortunately. They’re the true warriors, together with all the doctors, researchers, scientists, nurses, and so on who never surrendered to what idiots call fate despite the increasing lack of proper work conditions. There is no fate, there is no chance, there’s only the incredible complexity of life, and we should all embrace it with a big smile like they do every day.
Thank you all once again for sending me positive energy all the time and giving me the strength I needed to keep pushing, and thank you to my family, my friends, my bandmates, managers, crew and the people surrounding me for continuing to believe and never leaving me behind.
Back to riffs and blast beats, over.
Fra”
Paoli noted that his recovery is still ongoing and that he will likely require another refinement surgery in 2027. However, he said the procedure has already been accounted for in Fleshgod Apocalypse’s schedule, so the band does not expect to miss any shows as a result.
Despite the permanent effects of his injuries, Paoli’s message struck a hopeful note, expressing gratitude to his medical team, loved ones, bandmates, and fans while recognizing others who have faced similar circumstances.
If you’re rocking with The Mosh Network, hit the link and add us as a Preferred Source on Google. That’s the easiest way to keep our latest metal, hardcore, and alternative news, tours, and releases showing up directly in your feed.
