Brit supergroup forced to cancel gig hours before taking to the stage as Beatle’s son suffers blood clot
BRIT supergroup Mantra Of The Cosmos were forced to pull the plug on a secret gig after Zak Starkey fell ill with a blood clot.
Zak, who is the son of Beatles legend Ringo Star, was rushed to see medics just hours before the show and diagnosed with the serious health condition.
Doctors had discovered a blood clot in the 59-year-old drummer’s left leg and immediately placed him on bed rest.
Zak, who has starred alongside Oasis and The Who, has also been prescribed a two-week course of blood thinners to treat the clot and to prevent new ones from forming.
Mantra Of The Cosmos were forced to cancel their gig in London’s Soho as a result of his medical emergency with just hours to go.
The supergroup is made up of Zak, Happy Mondays and Black Grape stars Bez – on percussion – and Shaun Ryder – on lead vocals – and guitarist Andy Bell, who has also performed with Oasis as well as Ride.
Despite their pal’s plight, Bez, Shaun and Andy still attended Karma Sanctum Soho, where the gig had been due to take place, to celebrate the band with fans and journalists.
The remaining members said the health of bandleader Zak is “the most important thing” and wished him a swift recovery.
Shaun also joked to guests: “As soon as I get out of here I’m going to take some tights to get on Zak’s legs.”
Mantra Of The Cosmos’ cancelled show comes days after they performed two gigs at Liverpool’s iconic Cavern Club.
The band has also just released their new vinyl single Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous), which features Oasis star Noel Gallagher. They are also working on an album.
Mantra Of The Cosmos formed in 2023 and quickly released their debut single Gorilla Guerilla.
Zak came up with the idea of the nineties supergroup, telling NME at the time: “It’s a pleasure to be part of Mantra of the Cosmos – four like-minded souls who get off on the same music.”
They made their Glastonbury debut in the same year, headlining the Glade stage.
On Tuesday night, Bez, Shaun and Andy screened a video recording of their recent gigs at Liverpool’s Cavern Club while Zak rested at home.
Bez told the crowd in Soho: “First of all can I say how special it was to play the Cavern with Zak Starkey.
“He’s never been to the Cavern before and it felt specia. It was better than anything I ever imagined in my life. I couldn’t believe how good it was.
“To play there… I had to show off right at the end, ‘His f***ing dad’s Ringo Starr! Know what I mean?’
“We felt like the Beatles – well I did for a little moment!”