Black Keys Drummer Dislocates Shoulder in Swimming Accident. Of Course, It’s Instagrammed.
Years ago, I went swimming in the surf of a beach called Saline in St. Barts. It’s a broad, sandy beach with swells that make it just about perfect for body surfing. After catching a few waves, I decided to try one more big one before heading in–and I could see one nice-sized crest on its way.
Seconds later, I felt like I was in a washing machine. The wave sucked me under, scraping my chest across the bottom. Then in the motion of a major league pitcher’s follow-through, tossed me over the top and slammed me down to the bottom. I remember landing on my head and hearing a distinct crack from my neck.
“That’s it, I thought. I’m paralyzed. But that’s okay because now I’m going to drown.”
Miraculously, though, the wave had tossed me so far than when it receded, I was left in knee-high water and my legs and arms still worked. And although I’ve been back to St Barts many times since then, I have never, ever set foot in the water at Saline again.
I bring this up because it appears Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney had a similar experience. The Keys were on the island to perform at a New Year’s party for one of the rich and famous (Not Roman Abramovich’s? Then whose?) and Patrick too some time to go swimming. I’m not sure if he went to Saline–there are only three or four beaches worth visiting, but Saline is the one with the best surf–but when he emerged from the water, he had a dislocated right shoulder after being slammed into the ocean floor.
Note to bone protruding from the shoulder.
He’ll be fine, but he’s still in a lot of pain. And I’m guessing he’ll join me in a safety boycott of Saline. (Via Rolling Stone)
In other St. Barts news, Leo Dicaprio had a really good time renting a place called Villa Rock Star. I’ve been inside that place and the basement contains a state-of-the-art recording studio that features the console on which John Lennon recorded “Imagine.” One of Leo’s parties involved the Black Eyed Peas.
