Duncan Sheik, the singer behind the 1996 hit single “Barely Breathing” and Tony award-winning composer of Spring Awakening, is currently in critical condition.
The artist’s social media account posted a statement on Wednesday about his health. “We would like to share an update with Duncan’s fans and the public. Duncan is currently receiving medical care and remains in critical but stable condition,” read the Instagram post. “Out of respect for Duncan and our family, we will not be sharing any further medical details at this time. We kindly ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time and will provide updates when appropriate.”
The message thanked fans for their “continued love and support.”
The cause behind Sheik’s medical care is not currently clear. A representative for Sheik did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The New Jersey native released his self-titled debut album in 1996. The LP featured the single “Barely Breathing,” which was certified gold and reached Number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, remaining on the charts for 55 consecutive weeks. Sheik received a Grammy nod for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for the hit song.
Sheik has also composed soundtracks for films, and created music for plays and musicals. His work includes the score for the 2004 drama film, A Home at the End of the World, and the music for the rock musical, Spring Awakening, which opened on Broadway in 2006. His work on the critically acclaimed production earned him a Tony award for Best Original Score, which he received alongside Steven Sater, and Best Orchestrations.
Sheik was also approached by producer Jesse Singer to help adapt Bret Easton Ellis’, American Psycho, into a musical. The production, which featured Sheik’s EDM-inspired tunes, premiered at London’s Almeida Theatre in 2013.
“There’s a version of American Psycho that you could do that is campy, kitschy and incredibly broad and comic. I wasn’t interested in that,” Sheik told Rolling Stone in 2016, the year the musical hit Broadway. “I wanted it to be a little deeper and more ambiguous weird and strange and, hopefully, beautiful.”
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