There’s an previous adage that when it rains, it pours — and rattling it if that doesn’t precisely describe the mountain of shit that famed metallic journalist, writer, and radio and TV presenter Mick Wall’s been coping with as of late. Earlier this month, he suffered a second coronary heart assault, successfully placing him out of fee and leaving him with crushing medical prices that might depart him and not using a residence.
With bylines in Sounds and Kerrang!, in addition to a stint because the Basic Rock editor-in-chief from 1999 to 2004, Wall has made a reputation for himself as a distinguished voice in metallic journalism. Over time, he’s additionally penned finest promoting books on bands like Metallica and Black Sabbath. As of late, he works as a freelancer, successfully dwelling on a month by month foundation.
It’s that actual fact that’s led to his present predicament, as he’d been dealing with critical well being points relating to what’s being described as a “disastrous bowel operation” again in December. Since then, it’s come out that the center assault he skilled earlier this month was possible introduced on by excessive stress ranges, based on his medical doctors.title, Wall and his spouse are dealing with eviction.
Fairly than paraphrase all the things that’s occurred to them, I’ve posted the couple’s full assertion beneath. In case you can examine their state of affairs and really feel so compelled to assist, you are able to do so by donating to their fundraiser to get again on their ft. Each little bit helps.
“On 14 June 2025, Mick suffered a coronary heart assault. It was his second, and because the physician who supervised his surgical procedure advised him, it was introduced on by stress. Fortuitously, having been despatched residence as soon as from A&E, Mick had returned that morning with chest pains and was admitted instantly. He underwent surgical procedure a couple of days later, and now has a brand-new stent to go together with his previous one.
“He’s again at residence and has been advised to relaxation fully for 3 months to allow his coronary heart to restore itself.
“However the true drawback will not be his coronary heart however the stress, which is ongoing.
“Mick and his spouse Linda are being evicted from their residence by their landlord. They have to vacate the premises by 1 August, 2025. After being on the council checklist for six years, they’ve simply yesterday been supplied the possibility of a property, for which they’re extremely grateful.
“Like many writers, Mick is a freelancer, dwelling month to month. He has no job safety, no financial savings, no pension, and when he can’t work, no earnings. As I write this, he has £70 in his checking account. He was already dealing with critical well being issues after a disastrous bowel operation in December.
“Linda is a Senior Nursing Assistant on the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. She works on the Complicated Drugs ward with sufferers receiving finish of life care, endeavor 4 12-hour shifts per week. Her wage after tax doesn’t cowl their lease. Linda can also be the registered carer for her aged mother and father, who require day by day visits. And he or she now takes care of Mick as he recovers.
“After Mick’s first coronary heart assault, Linda grew to become sick and was unable to work for 9 months. They needed to borrow to outlive and after their money owed started to compound, each Mick and Linda had been declared bankrupt. They’ve labored exceedingly onerous to discharge these bankruptcies and get again on their ft.
“In consequence, they can’t get hold of credit score and may’t lease privately with out an unrealistic sum of cash to pay their first six months’ lease upfront, plus a deposit. The council require a month’s lease, plus a deposit. The ultimate lease fee on their present house is due and so they don’t have the cash to pay it. They’re depending on a landlord reference to be thought of for any council lodging.
“Mick is unable to undertake any of the bodily work of shifting out of their present residence and into any new one. They’re but to see the council home they’ve been supplied, however have been advised it’s unfurnished, and may they be able to take it, requires deep cleansing and repainting earlier than it’s liveable.
“We’d love to have the ability to assist them out with the lease, and likewise with the prices of shifting home, settling their excellent payments and if doable, getting somewhat monetary buffer in place whereas Mick recovers over the following three to 6 months. Regardless of his guide advising him to retire, he’s decided to return to the work he loves.
“We’re hoping that Mick’s colleagues, mates, followers and readers within the rock n roll group will rally round Mick and Linda of their hour of want.
“So if you happen to’ve ever loved one among Mick’s traditional books on Led Zeppelin, Metallica and extra, if you happen to personal a replica of his legendary memoir Paranoid, or have learn him since his days as a younger punk from Ealing on Sounds, by way of his dispatches throughout Kerrang!’s glory years, or latterly on Basic Rock and Mojo, or if you happen to pay attention (thanks!) to our podcast and are available to the dwell reveals, please unfold the phrase on social media, and chip in if you happen to can.
“It will be vastly appreciated. Thanks!”
