Aussie rock icon Jon Stevens shares his story of survival and the reasons he feels fortunate to still be here.

2025-03-28 11:19:04 By Linda Garcia

Iconic rocker Jon Stevens has shared his harrowing experience with death that occurred in 2009.

The frontman of Noiseworks experienced a severe health scare when a standard checkup revealed a blocked artery, resulting in emergency open heart surgery that ultimately saved his life.

"I'm incredibly fortunate and deeply thankful. I clearly recall lying in the hospital, thinking to myself, 'I won't get to meet my grandchildren.' At that time, I didn't even have any grandchildren!" he remarked.

The 64-year-old New Zealand-born rocker discussed the frightening health scare in a new interview in The Australian on Monday. 

In another part of the conversation, he shared that moments before entering the operating room, the doctors informed him that he was on the verge of 'dropping dead' and had mere days left to live.

He continued: 'I was elated because I was blessed that I found out [during a check up] and [I] didn't have a heart attack. Something bad didn't happen. It was actually the warning.'

Iconic rocker Jon Stevens has shared his harrowing experience with death that occurred in 2009.. The frontman of Noiseworks experienced a severe health scare when a standard checkup revealed a blocked artery, resulting in emergency open heart surgery that ultimately saved his life. (Pictured)

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Iconic rocker Jon Stevens has shared his harrowing experience with death that occurred in 2009.. The frontman of Noiseworks experienced a severe health scare when a standard checkup revealed a blocked artery, resulting in emergency open heart surgery that ultimately saved his life. (Pictured)

The procedure that saved Jon's life was a triple bypass surgery, during which his blocked arteries were replaced with healthy ones. 

Jon, currently on tour with Noiseworks, shared an important message for his male fans who may be hesitant to pay attention to their health.

"I've been advocating for that since a long time ago: make sure to get checked," he stated. 

You take a look at your car; it’s all pretty standard. But guys, we have this sense of pride – or maybe it’s just foolishness. [chuckles] Who knows? 

"Health is indeed your greatest asset; this saying holds a lot of truth. I often remind people, 'If you have children or grandchildren, you have a responsibility to stay healthy and be present in their lives for as long as possible.'"

In 2022, Jon experienced another health scare and underwent a procedure to insert a stent for a blockage in one of his heart arteries.

That same year, he was appointed as an ambassador for the Heart Foundation's 'Give With Heart Day.'

The '80s sensation gained popularity when he became a member of the Sydney pub band Noiseworks in 1986.

In a recent interview with The Australian on Monday, the 64-year-old rocker from New Zealand opened up about a terrifying health scare he experienced. Pictured: Jon on stage in 2022

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In a recent interview with The Australian on Monday, the 64-year-old rocker from New Zealand opened up about a terrifying health scare he experienced. Pictured: Jon on stage in 2022
Jon gained popularity in the 1980s as the lead vocalist of the Sydney-based band Noiseworks.

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Jon gained popularity in the 1980s as the lead vocalist of the Sydney-based band Noiseworks.

The band achieved four albums that reached the Australian top 10 and produced three singles that made it into the top ten: Take Me Back, Touch, and Hot Chilli Woman. 

In the year 2000, Jon was brought on board by INXS to take the place of their late frontman, Michael Hutchence.

He spent three years touring and recording with the hitmakers of "Never Tear Us Apart" before leaving the band in 2003. 

Jon is currently romantically involved with Héloise Pratt who is the eldest daughter of late billionaire cardboard king Richard Pratt, chair of the philanthropic Pratt Foundation and according to the 2024 Forbes Rich List, the country's 29th richest person with a personal net worth of $1.93b. 

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Eloise, 62, separated from her former husband Alex Waislitz in 2015 after the couple had tied the knot in 1994. and they share custody of their three children, Jake, Milly and Joseph.

Jon began his relationship with Eloise in 2016 after his tumultuous breakup with former model Jodhi Meares.

The musician captured public attention in 2007 when he announced the conclusion of his two-decade marriage to Tracey Stevens.

The pair has two kids, Millie and Levi. 

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