[REVISION HISTORY]

Ralph Siegel recovering after 18-day medical coma

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2026-08-16 10:12 UTC → 2026-09-11 10:21 UTC · added ~~removed~~

German Eurovision composer Ralph Siegel, 80, is recovering after a severe lung infection and pneumonia in July 2026. After being placed in an artificial coma to stabilize his condition, Siegel was transferred from Spain to a Munich hospital. He remained in a medically induced coma for 18 days, a period during which doctors initially delayed awakening him because his heart was not yet strong enough. Following his revival, Siegel was moved from intensive care to a regular ward on 31 July. He reported a significant loss of strength and weight, noting he now weighs approximately 96 kg and requires assistance to stand. He also noted that his existing chronic nerve disorder, polyneuropathy, has been exacerbated by the coma, causing intense pain in his hips and legs. Siegel expressed deep gratitude to his physician, Michael Weis, stating, “Without him, I would not be alive.” He also noted that his family and his work have served as significant motivators during his illness. As of mid-August, Siegel has been discharged from the hospital and has returned home to the care of his wife, Laura. He noted that he narrowly escaped death, stating that had he remained in Spain for even one more day before seeking treatment, he would not have survived. To address his ongoing muscle weakness and mobility issues, Siegel is ~~scheduled to begin a formal~~ undergoing rehabilitation ~~program~~ in the Tegernsee region. ~~During~~ Despite his ~~coma,~~ health challenges, Siegel ~~experienced vivid, terrifying visions that inspired~~ plans to attend a ~~new Eurovision song entry, which~~ revival of his musical ‘Zeppelin’ at the Festspielhaus Neuschwanstein in Füssen on 22 October, stating he would attend in a wheelchair if necessary. He also intends to ~~submit~~ return to the Eurovision Song Contest following a ten-year ~~absence from the competition.~~ absence, inspired by visions experienced during his coma.

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