Full Breakdown
Oli Sykes Suffers Mild Concussion After Phone Thrown at Him During St. Louis Show
5/13/2026, 8:41:49 PM
Incident Overview
On May 11 2026, Bring Me The Horizon played the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. During “Happy Song,” a fan threw a mobile phone that struck frontman Oli Sykes in his left temple. Video shows Sykes kneeling, demanding “Who the fuck just threw a phone at my fuckin’ head?” before handing the device to security. He completed the set and later confirmed a mild concussion.
Tour Context
The St. Louis show was part of the Ascension Program 2 U.S. leg, leading to a headlining slot at Sonic Temple in Columbus, Ohio, on May 16. The usual 17-song set was trimmed to 16; “YOUtopia” was omitted and Sykes skipped his crowd walk during “Drown.” The incident follows recent audience-thrown objects, such as Eric Clapton’s vinyl-sleeve in Madrid.
On-the-Ground Account
Fan footage shows the phone hitting Sykes as he leaned forward at the stage front. He repeatedly rubbed his temple, appeared “dizzy,” and avoided the catwalk into the audience. Observers noted a swollen temple and pauses to cradle his head.
Official Statements & Band Response
Sykes posted on Instagram Stories the next day, confirming a mild concussion, noting reduced swelling, and apologizing for a “half-hearted performance” caused by pressure on the wound. The band said the tour will proceed as scheduled, with the Kansas City show confirmed and remaining U.S. dates unchanged.
Criticism & Fan Opposition
Fans condemned the act, with one comment stating, “People nowadays have no concept of concert etiquette,” and another calling the thrower “a complete asshole.” They warned that such behavior endangers performers and harms the live experience.
Data & Upcoming Dates
Enterprise Center holds ? 22,000. The setlist was 16 songs. Upcoming U.S. shows: Kansas City (May 12), St. Paul (May 13), Chicago (May 15), Sonic Temple (May 16). Future festival slots include Sonic Temple and European festivals later in the year.
Why It Matters: Concert Safety Trend
The phone strike adds to a pattern of objects hurled at artists, prompting calls for stricter venue policies and greater audience awareness. Repeated incidents could lead to phone bans or heightened security to protect performers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Most sources say the phone hit Sykes’s head; one suggests it may have struck the chest. Timing varies, with some placing the throw at the end of “Happy Song” and others early in the set. No medical report beyond Sykes’s Instagram update is available.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Who the fuck just threw a phone at my fuckin’ head?” — Oli Sykes, Bring Me The Horizon frontman
- “You fuckin' tosser.” — Oli Sykes, live response
- “The phone to the head definitely smarted and I ended up with a mild concussion, but the swelling’s gone down a decent amount already.” — Oli Sykes, Instagram
- “Everything should be fine for tonight's gig.” — Oli Sykes, Instagram
