Star music producer breaks several bones in motorcycle crash
June 09, 2010
Nicole O'Reilly; With files from Jon Wells
The Hamilton Spectator
LOS ANGELES (Jun 9, 2010)
A motorcycle crash has landed Daniel Lanois in hospital with a broken pelvis, ribs and other bones, but the Grammy-winning Canadian producer and artist's hands are OK.
The 58-year-old is in intensive care at a Los Angeles hospital following the crash in the Silverlake area Saturday.
He is conscious and expected to be released from the hospital soon, though his recovery could take at least two months.
"He's got a lot of broken bones -- ribs, pelvis -- but he's OK. He's got bruised hands," said Bob Doidge, a childhood friend of the musician-producer and co-owner of Hamilton's Grant Avenue Studio, which was founded by Lanois .
"He can limp around for a while, but he needs his hands."
Jean-Paul Gauthier, Hamilton Music Awards director, has been in contact with Lanois's manager, who was at the musician's hospital bedside.
"His spirits are up and he's as feisty as ever," Gauthier said.
But his extensive injuries have forced Lanois to cancel all upcoming tour dates, said a news release from his label.
His latest project, Black Dub Collective, will release its debut "when circumstances permit," his label said.
Lanois, born in Quebec and raised in Hamilton, is best known for his moody, atmospheric production work with U2 (The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby) and Bob Dylan (Time Out of Mind, Oh Mercy).
His mother, brother and sister live in the Hamilton area, but could not be reached.
It's unclear whether they went to see Lanois.
Doidge, who said he had just spoken to Lanois a week ago, was shocked to learn of the accident.
"He was out on the road with Neil Young," he said. The two musicians are reported to be collaborating on a new album.
Lanois had plans to return to Hamilton to go camping with Doidge in August on the French River, which flows from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay.
Maybe now Lanois will stay and relax a little longer, Doidge suggested.
He said he was always warning Lanois to be careful on his motorcycle - a beloved BMW.
In an interview with The Spectator in 2007, Lanois spoke candidly about his love of riding motorcycles, including trips down to Mexico.
"It keeps my brain sharp, my sense of telepathy alive. To be on the bike means you have to read minds, look into cars, anticipate moves, which is what music is all about," he said.
At that time he also recalled a freak accident on his own driveway that sent him flying from his bike. He had a frozen shoulder for about eight months.
But he also said he knew where it was safe to go fast.
"I'll go fast in the desert or to get out of a dangerous situation. But I'm not a speed bike rider," Lanois said.