The guitarist underwent neck surgery on 1 October and says he plans to return to touring as his recovery continues.
Nile guitarist and vocalist Karl Sanders has revealed he underwent multilevel spinal fusion surgery in his neck, saying he will stop headbanging onstage but intends to continue touring.
In a Facebook update shared on 22 October, Sanders said the operation took place on 1 October after worsening symptoms made treatment unavoidable.
He described pain caused by pressure on his spinal cord and nerves, followed by constant numbness in his right hand this year. According to Sanders, scans showed severe narrowing around his spinal cord and signs of injury to the cord itself.
His doctors warned that leaving the condition untreated risked further permanent damage, including paralysis, he said.
Sanders identified disc degeneration, decades of headbanging, prolonged stress and a martial arts injury sustained 11 years ago as factors that had affected his health. During surgery, damaged discs and bone pressing on his spinal cord were removed, with donor bone, a metal plate and screws used to stabilise multiple vertebrae.
He said the procedure went well and that his neck and shoulder pain was easing. His recovery includes occupational therapy for his right hand three times a week, daily walks and plenty of guitar playing.
Returning to the road remains part of his plan. Sanders said he expected to leave for Nile’s European tour eight weeks after surgery, although his familiar stage movements will change.
“I won’t be doing any more onstage headbanging, but that’s OK,” he wrote.
Nile’s official tour page lists European dates for late 2026 and a US run in March and April 2027. Sanders’ update does not announce an Australian appearance or give a date for the completion of his recovery.
He also spoke directly about the financial reality of taking time away from performing. Music is both his passion and his livelihood, he explained, adding that “metal doesn’t come with paid medical leave”.
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