The radio shock jock revealed live on air that he is suffering from a brain aneurysm and needs life-saving surgery.
The radio shock jock revealed live on air that he is suffering from a brain aneurysm and needs life-saving surgery.
By Jessica McSweeney
February 3, 2025 — 5.55am
Radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands says he will undergo urgent brain surgery after revealing on air he is suffering from a brain aneurysm.
Sandilands, who hosts the popular KIIS FM breakfast show with co-host Jackie O Henderson, was missing on Friday due to illness. He told his listeners on Monday morning he had been diagnosed after a period of significant headaches.
“I was told by my medical team, which sounds like I’m already very sick – to have a medical team – that I have a brain aneurysm, and it requires immediate attention, brain surgery,” he said.
“So if you just tuned in to us after all these years, lap it up. And if you’re in Melbourne, you’re coming to the party too late. You may get your wish. I may be dead.”
The 53-year-old showed radio staff the pictures of his brain scan while revealing the news live on air. He pointed out the aneurysm to his shocked colleagues.
“If that bursts, I die instantly.”
Sandilands did not say when he would be undergoing surgery but said he expects to take up to eight weeks off from radio.
“My wife, every time I look at her, her eyes well up with tears. She is already counting down the days.”
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“The facts are a life of cocaine abuse and partying are not the way to go,” he said.
In his trademark style, Sandilands shared the news by making light of the situation, cracking jokes about how his doctors have banned him from sex and taking drugs.
Sandilands and Henderson have been on air together for nearly 20 years. Their most recent venture – entering the Melbourne radio market – hasn’t come with the listener numbers the duo had hoped.
On top of his radio hosting duties, Sandilands is also a judge on Australian Idol.
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Jessica McSweeney is a breaking news reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.
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