A well-known musician suffered horrific facial injuries and memory loss after being attacked outside his home in a quiet harborside suburb.
Brent Dehn, former guitarist for iconic Australian rock band The Radiators, says he was attacked after leaving his Balmain residence to have a cigarette on September 12 following a long chat with a friend on the phone.
But he can’t remember any of the details.
He only remembers waking up hours later with a broken eye socket and broken wrist when the sound of police knocking on his door.
“I don’t remember anything about the attack,” Dehn told Daily Telegraph.
‘The police explained to me that a car had been stolen and that I had obviously bumped into the thief.
“My eye socket was broken everywhere, I couldn’t see very well… My left wrist and a couple of fingers were also fractured.”
Serious injuries to his left wrist and hand left the guitarist unable to perform and he was forced to turn down at least eight concerts.
Brent Dehn has played in numerous bands, with nearly a decade playing for pub rock group The Radiators.
Brent Dehn
The attack also made Dehn afraid of loud music, people and even going to stores after the unprovoked attack.
NSW Police confirmed officers were called to the address due to welfare concerns.
‘Police spoke to a 61-year-old man who had suffered injuries to his face. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene; “However, he did not require additional treatment,” a spokesperson said.
“A crime scene has been established and an investigation has been launched in relation to the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
No arrests have yet been made in the incident.
Struggling financially, the unemployed musician reluctantly allowed a friend to set up a fundraising in his name, which has already raised more than $12,000.
“Brent is a professional musician and music is his income,” wrote Dave Wilkins, a lifelong friend and accomplished songwriter.
A fellow musician said Dehn was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and is now bearing the financial consequences.
“His injuries caused his music to suddenly stop.”
“He has shared the stage with me over the years, starting with Wrecking Crew and was also guitarist for iconic Australian band The Radiators for a decade.”
‘Brent was recently violently attacked in an unprovoked incident outside his home by a group of thugs.
“Brent was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, unknowingly bringing the group up to no good.”
Dehn is grateful for the overwhelming support he has received since then.
“I wouldn’t have done this myself, as I’m not normally someone who wants attention, but I must say I am eternally grateful,” he wrote in an update posted about the fundraiser.
NSW Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.