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Popper's Near-Death Year: Health Scares & Band's New Peak
3 Dec
Summary
- John Popper survived multiple life-threatening health issues in 2025.
- Popper married a woman he knew for 21 years after a year of remarriage.
- Blues Traveler is playing better than ever due to the band's sobriety.
John Popper of Blues Traveler endured a harrowing year in 2025, narrowly escaping death on multiple occasions. What began as routine carpal tunnel surgery revealed a heart flutter, leading to complications that included a nicked femoral artery, causing significant blood loss. His wife had to call for an ambulance twice, once in Italy after he sustained a head injury during his honeymoon.
Popper also revealed he remarried over a year ago to Sherri "Gidget" Popper, a woman he has known for 21 years. He expressed a desire to have her recognized publicly, noting her absence on Wikipedia. He met his wife at a nudist colony in 2003.
The band's improved performance is linked to a collective shift towards sobriety. Popper noted that guitarist Chan Kinchla's sobriety has influenced the entire band, leading to enhanced musicianship. He also shared critical opinions on harmonica playing, singling out Bob Dylan and Alanis Morissette for their techniques.
