In a remarkable story of survival and resilience, RAVEN bassist and vocalist John Gallagher has revealed that he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in August 2025 and underwent emergency brain surgery. Gallagher discussed the near-death experience in a recent interview, marking the first time he has spoken publicly in detail about the ordeal.
Gallagher described the incident as sudden and terrifying — a medical emergency that required immediate intervention. The surgery was successful, and he has since been on a road to recovery. By any measure, the fact that he is alive, communicating, and back to making music is nothing short of extraordinary.
In the same interview, Gallagher confirmed that RAVEN are actively working on new material. He described having "a lot of songs" already in progress, suggesting the near-fatal health scare has not diminished his creative drive — if anything, it may have intensified it.
RAVEN is one of the founding bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, formed in Newcastle in 1974 by the Gallagher brothers — John and Mark — alongside drummer Joe Hasselvander (who passed away in 2021). The band toured relentlessly through the 1980s alongside METALLICA and influenced countless acts in the thrash and speed metal movements.
At 68 years old, John Gallagher's survival and continued creative output is an inspiring testament to the enduring spirit that has defined RAVEN across five decades. No release date has been confirmed for the new album, but its existence alone is cause for celebration.