Madison drummer returns to the stage after cardiac arrest

One year ago, Rokker, the drummer of Iron Plow, was mid-performance when his heart stopped and he collapsed on stage.

Rokker had suffered a cardiac arrest, and required immediate medical attention. He received CPR while EMS rushed to the Gamma Ray Bar. Despite an estimated 10% survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, Rokker survived.

Now, one year later, he performed on the same stage he collapsed on.

"When I woke up in the hospital, the doctor told me, 'Well, you died on stage playing your drums with your band, but there were people there who wouldn't let you go,'" Rokker said.

Friday night marked his third performance since the incident. He's advocated for more AEDs in bars and music venues, including at Gamma Ray. Owner Kevin Willmott II installed one recently, and said it was important to be prepared. He's thankful Rokker is still alive.

"It's hard to explain the connection that you get with someone after you're going through something like this, and to think me and rocker are going to be best friends for a long time," Willmott said.