What Happened To Mike Stern's Right Hand? A Look At His Remarkable Comeback
For many who admire the art of jazz fusion guitar, a question often comes up about a particular musician. People often wonder, you know, about Mike Stern. Specifically, there's a lot of curiosity about a difficult time he went through. This involves, as a matter of fact, a serious accident that affected his playing hand.
Mike Stern, a musician known for his truly incredible artistry, faced a very significant hurdle a few years back. This particular incident, you know, really brought about some serious changes for him. It was a moment that could have, in a way, stopped his musical path.
Yet, the story of what happened to Mike Stern's right hand is not just about a misfortune. It is, basically, a story of resilience. It is, quite honestly, about a spirit that simply refused to give up. This article will look into the details of that challenging time and how he found a way to keep making music.
Table of Contents
- Mike Stern: A Brief Look
- The Unforeseen Incident: What Happened?
- The Road to Recovery: Facing Adversity
- Mike Stern's Spirit: A True Inspiration
- Frequently Asked Questions
Mike Stern: A Brief Look
Before we get into the details of the accident, it helps to know a little about Mike Stern himself. He is, you know, a truly respected figure in music. His contributions to jazz fusion are, as a matter of fact, very well known. His playing style is, quite honestly, something many musicians admire.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Mike Stern |
| Known For | Jazz Fusion Guitar Artistry |
| Accident Year | 2016 |
| Key Injuries | Fractured both humerus bones, severe nerve damage in right hand/arm |
| Recovery Status | Ongoing work, adapted playing technique |
The Unforeseen Incident: What Happened?
The event that changed things for Mike Stern was, in a way, sudden. It was, apparently, a very unfortunate accident. This happened, in fact, at a time when he was preparing for a tour. It just goes to show that life can, sometimes, throw unexpected challenges.
The Accident in 2016
Back in 2016, Mike Stern was, basically, getting ready for a tour. He was, in fact, outside his Manhattan apartment. He was, as a matter of fact, waiting for a taxi. It was during this moment that he, you know, tripped. There was, seemingly, some hidden construction in the street. Or, it was misplaced construction material. This caused him to fall.
The fall was, quite honestly, quite bad. He tripped, and this event led to some very serious injuries. It was, essentially, a freak accident. One minute he was, well, just waiting. The next, he was dealing with a significant problem. This incident, you know, really altered his path.
The Immediate Injuries
The impact of the fall was, frankly, severe. Mike Stern fractured both of his humerus bones. These are, as you might know, the long bones that run from the shoulder down to the elbow. So, he broke both of his arms. This was, in a way, a major physical blow.
But the injuries did not stop there. In addition to the broken bones, he sustained severe nerve damage. This damage was, as a matter of fact, in his right hand. This is, of course, the hand he uses to play his guitar. He also had nerve damage in his right arm. This kind of injury, you know, can be particularly troubling for a musician.
The nerve damage was, quite honestly, a very concerning part of the accident. It was, in some respects, a direct threat to his ability to perform. This was, arguably, the most impactful aspect of his injuries. The thought of not being able to play, you know, must have been very difficult.
The Road to Recovery: Facing Adversity
After such a significant accident, the path to getting better is, typically, a long one. For Mike Stern, this was, in fact, very true. He faced, you know, a very uphill battle. It was a time that tested his resolve in a big way.
Dealing with Nerve Damage
The nerve damage in his right hand was, apparently, very serious. It prevented him from doing something very basic for a guitarist. He could, you know, no longer hold a guitar pick. This was, in a way, a profound change for him. Imagine, for a moment, not being able to do something you have done for decades.
The feeling in his hand was, obviously, different. When you have nerve damage in your right hand, it feels different. This change, you know, can throw you off. It was, quite honestly, a new sensation he had to learn to manage. This was, basically, from that accident in New York where he tripped over some construction.
There was, in fact, concern about permanent damage to his right hand. He himself mentioned, "There may be permanent damage to my right hand." This statement, you know, shows the seriousness of the situation. It was, clearly, not a small problem he was dealing with.
Surgeries and Ongoing Work
To address these injuries, Mike Stern underwent multiple surgeries. These procedures were, as a matter of fact, necessary steps in his recovery. His doctor, you know, did some tendon transfers. This is, in some respects, a very delicate kind of work.
And the work is, apparently, still going on. He mentioned, "there's more that he's going to do." So, it is, in a way, a work in progress. This means his recovery journey is, basically, an ongoing one. It shows that healing from such injuries can take a very long time.
Six months after his accident, in January of 2017, he was still, you know, working through it. This timeline suggests a very lengthy process. His commitment to this work, you know, is truly admirable. He has, apparently, put in a lot of effort.
A New Way to Play
With the nerve damage, Mike Stern had to, in fact, relearn how to play his instrument. This is, arguably, a huge challenge for any musician. Imagine having to, basically, start over with something you have done for so long. It is, quite honestly, a testament to his dedication.
He even found, you know, an unusual method to keep playing. He said, "I'm using glue to play." This detail, you know, really shows his ingenuity. It means he had to, literally, find a way to attach the pick to his hand or fingers. This is, in a way, a very unique solution to a difficult problem.
This adaptation highlights his determination. He found a different approach to his technique. Mike Stern talks about his right hand technique, and this now includes how he adapts to the changes. His gear improvising, you know, isn't just for the fretboard. It is, basically, for his physical playing too.
Mike Stern's Spirit: A True Inspiration
Many people, when faced with such significant obstacles, might, you know, give up. They might, in fact, toss in the towel. But Mike Stern did not do that. His story is, in some respects, a powerful example of human spirit.
Refusing to Quit
In the months after the accident, while many would have, well, stopped, Stern kept going. He had, apparently, a mindset of perseverance. He said, "you gotta keep going with it, right?" This quote, you know, really sums up his attitude. He is, basically, someone who pushes forward.
His wife, Ronda, and he were, you know, very fortunate to have support. But his personal drive was, clearly, a major factor. He was, in a way, determined not to let the injury define his future. This kind of resolve is, quite honestly, very inspiring to see.
The Impact on His Music
Despite the severe nerve damage, Stern continued to perform. He took, you know, long, winding solos. These solos, as a matter of fact, never grew dull. They never, apparently, revealed a loss of steam. This shows his ability to adapt and still deliver.
Mike Stern's latest work, you know, truly speaks to the triumph of his spirit. It also shows his twisted sense of humor. This means he found a way to express his experience through his art. His music, in a way, became a reflection of his journey.
It's interesting to consider how this challenge might have, actually, shaped his music further. His sound, you know, might have gained new layers of depth. The popularity contest that decides news coverage in music is, frankly, particularly lame. But stories like Stern's, you know, are truly worth hearing.
His Message of Perseverance
Mike Stern's experience sends a clear message. It is, basically, about not letting difficulties stop you. He shows that with determination, you can, you know, find new ways to keep doing what you love. His journey is, in some respects, a testament to the power of human will.
As a fan of Stern, one can only hope he is, you know, able to recover fully. People are, honestly, interested in the nature of his injury. But more than that, they are interested in his incredible spirit. His story is, in a way, a beacon of hope for anyone facing a personal hurdle. Learn more about Mike Stern's journey on our site, and you can also find more about his music on this page here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Mike Stern's accident happen?
Mike Stern's accident happened back in 2016. It was, as a matter of fact, in July of that year. He was, you know, getting ready for a tour when it occurred. It was, basically, a very unexpected event.
What kind of injuries did Mike Stern sustain?
Mike Stern sustained, you know, very serious injuries. He fractured both humerus bones, which are the long bones in the arms. He also, as a matter of fact, suffered severe nerve damage in his right hand and right arm. This damage was, apparently, permanent.
Can Mike Stern still play guitar after his accident?
Yes, Mike Stern can still play guitar. Despite the permanent nerve damage that prevented him from holding a pick, he found a way. He is, you know, using glue to play. He had to, basically, relearn how to play. His ability to perform, in a way, speaks to his incredible spirit and resilience.
Echoes and Other Songs | Mike Stern
Mike Stern – Jazz/Takes - Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
.jpg)
Mike Stern – Wikipédia
