A POP star from an iconic band has recalled how he nearly died in a bus crash 40 years ago today – and still has nightmares about it.
Mike Nolan, 70, along with former bandmates Cheryl Baker, Bobby G, and Jay Aston shot to fame as Bucks Fizz in 1981 when they won the Eurovision Song Contest with Making Your Mind Up.
But on December 11, 1984, tragedy struck, as the band members were involved in a horrific coach accident on the way home from a gig.
Mike was hurled through the windscreen and blacked out before slipping into a coma.
As he fought for his life in intensive care, he was read his last rites.
He has no specific memories of the crash itself but in an exclusive chat with The Sun Online, he explained what others told him about it.
He said: “The coach and a lorry hit each other, and Cheryl and I went with a windscreen, and I actually banged my head and I ended up with a clot on my brain, which I didn’t know about, because I went into a coma.
“When I came round, I took a long, long time to get over it.
“I lost 50 per cent of my vision which has affected me on a daily basis, although I am thankful to be alive.
“Cheryl and I both have no recollection of what happened but one of our keyboard players was very seriously injured.”
Mike had to be taught how to walk and talk again and continued: “It changes you forever, and it took me 25 years to get to a place where I am fine and don’t need anyone to talk about it. Now, I just want to get on with my life.”
Cheryl was also seriously injured and after he came round they forged a very strong bond, and they have helped each other through some very difficult times.
He added that the crash “was actually the ruination of the band, it was a horrible experience and I still have nightmares about it.”
The lasting effects of the crash have had an impact on him and at times, it has affected his speech.
Mike still suffers from epilepsy as a result of the accident and he continues to feel nervous when travelling in a car.
He also admitted: “Being told I had epilepsy was hard to accept.”
Here's your complete guide to all things Eurovision:
He says he still has trouble seeing sideways, but this has not hindered his career as a singer and dancer.
He continued to perform with the band for almost 40 years before quitting and hanging up his mic.
From 1997 to 2001, Mike was in a rival version of Bucks Fizz with David Van Day from Dollar before Mike, Cheryl and Jay began performing together again as The Fizz in 2004, as a spin-off from the original group.
But now, he is finishing for good – and is currently appearing in panto this month at The Institute in Braintree, from 14 to 31 December where he is playing Idle Jack in Dick Whittington.
