Peter Bowditch of the rap duo Pete & Bas passed out mid-show while suspended from the ceiling in a harness during a gig in Chicago. The incident occurred on March 16, and he has since recovered in hospital. The duo plans a US tour to celebrate.
Peter Bowditch, one half of the London-based OAP rap duo Pete & Bas, experienced a medical incident during their performance in Chicago, Illinois, on Monday night, March 16. Both members are in their 70s. Footage captured Bowditch rapping while suspended above the stage in a harness, with backing dancers below. He then lost consciousness, dropped his microphone, and remained motionless as the backing track played on, stunning the crowd. Pete & Bas’ management issued a statement apologising for the show, confirming Bowditch was in stable condition, offering refunds to ticket holders, and stating that their European tour dates would proceed. From his hospital bed, Bowditch shared a video update, joking: “As you know, recently, I was pronounced dead on stage. They said it was exhaustion; the doctors managed to bring me back.” In the caption, he added: “Right people, it looks like I’m alive. Happy days. The wife’s brought me in a takeaway pint too, so I’m finally feeling like myself again 🍺. Now, Bas and I will be going on a massive 14-date US tour in June to celebrate. See you there people, hallelujah.” Pete & Bas, who began writing lyrics in 2017 inspired by drill music storytelling, released their debut single ‘Shut Ya Mouth’ soon after. Bowditch, a retired Royal Mail employee, first encountered rap through his granddaughter. Their debut album ‘Mugshot’ came out in 2024. An upcoming European headline tour includes stops in Amsterdam, Stockholm, Oslo, and Helsinki.
