In a lengthy post to Instagram, 10 Years guitarist Matt Wantland described an incident over Memorial Day Weekend in which he severely injured his hand with a miter saw. According to the post, he injured “three extensor tendons, my wrist tendon, and nerve but managed not to sever anything or hit the bone.”
“Matt Wantland here
Over this past Memorial weekend, on Saturday, while everyone was grilling and boating and enjoying life, I faced one of the most unfortunate events of my life. While finishing some trim on a door in my house, I accidentally got my left hand in the way of my miter saw. It was instant. Once I felt it hit my hand I didn’t even look; I just grabbed it and ran inside, blood trailing heavily. I couldn’t move my fingers. They were still there but definitely not working. Home alone at the time, I rinsed the cut in the sink quickly and wrapped it in the closest dish towel. I was so close to passing out but managed to call my wife and tell her to get home, that I’d badly injured my hand and needed to get to the hospital. I waited, fighting every urge to lose consciousness, a million thoughts going through my head. A hand injury is tragic for anyone, we all need two hands, but I’m a guitar player for a living. This injury is as emotionally crippling as it is physical to me. Have you ever felt everything in your life change in a split second?
Fast forward I did a pretty good number on my hand (three extensor tendons, my wrist tendon, and nerve) but managed not to sever anything or hit the bone. I woke up Sunday morning, after the longest night of my life bouncing between ERs and standing as strong as I could to make it through, to the news that my father-in-law had made a call and gotten me an appointment first thing Tuesday with one of the best hand surgeons available. Hearing this and having been tough all night, I just cried uncontrollably. It had been a long time since that happened.
First things first, I got ahold of Jesse and Brian because I obviously can’t play shows anytime soon, the end of August would be best case scenario. We’ve found someone to cover the shows next week, and I’ve spent most of the day today, tabbing out my parts that I mainly know from muscle memory, while not being able to hold a guitar. This is much harder than I thought. Either way, the point is the shows will go on. I will be able to play guitar again, but it’s going to take some time.”
He continued:
“Now, I’m writing this for two reasons… maybe three. 1. The scheduled 10 Years shows will still be happening. 2. The rumors are already going around so let’s just clear it up. I didn’t lose my hand or fingers, nor is this something that couldn’t be fixed. 3. I’m lucky…. Despite the situation I’m in currently, this could’ve been a thousand times worse. I appreciate the calls and texts from anyone who has already heard about the incident. Don’t think I’m happy about this, because I’m not, but… I’m definitely in one of the best places of my life otherwise. I’m surrounded by amazing people (Rachel Baila especially, you are the key to every door), and I truly felt and feel on top of my game in as many areas as I possibly can be at one time. I’ve been spending a lot of my time at home writing on piano and synthesizers, neither of which require the use of two hands (it would be easier, but it’s not necessary.) I’ve got two side projects I’ll be spending a little more time on/releasing, as well as lending a hand writing with 10 Years … pun intended. So, as for me creating, that will not stop now or ever.
A few years ago, I got into stoic philosophy and my mind has immediately been drawn right back to it. I’m choosing to use this as an opportunity, a blessing. To refine my perception and shake up and take notice of everything I was taking for granted and learn new ways to be better and stronger, physically and mentally. Things are always better when you have to earn them. I’m going to have to earn the person I want to be to get through this, even though I’m far from a stranger to adversity.
So, I’ll leave with this. There’s a stoic phrase I have tattooed on my chest, “Amor Fati.” It means “Love Your Fate,” because there is nowhere you can be but where you are, so just get on with it. Which is what I’m about to do.”
