Fleshgod Apocalypse’s Francesco Paoli Shows Off His Newly Reconstructed Hand Following His Latest Transplant Surgery

Francesco Paoli, vocalist and guitarist of Italian symphonic death metal act Fleshgod Apocalypse, has shared a health update following another reconstructive operation on his left hand. The surgery is part of an ongoing recovery from a serious climbing fall in 2021 that left him with multiple injuries and long-term nerve damage.

According to Paoli’s post, a previous procedure in 2022 involved transplanting a nerve from his leg into his elbow to address ulnar nerve disruption. The latest operation saw surgeons transfer tissue from his hip into the empty areas of his hand to protect remaining bones, ligaments, veins and tendons and to give the hand more bulk and function.

He posted before-and-after images on social media and reported that the hand looks and feels improved. Paoli added that he will likely undergo a further refinement next year, but that this has been planned around the band’s schedule so shows will not be missed. He also thanked doctors, caregivers, friends, family, bandmates and fans for their support and expressed empathy for others who were less fortunate after similar accidents.

The update highlights the long road of post-trauma reconstruction and the role of medical advances in allowing a touring musician to continue performing. Paoli closed his message by saying he is returning to riffs and blast beats.