Rock musician Dave Edmunds, 81, hospitalized and fighting for life after ‘major cardiac arrest’

Rocker Dave Edmunds, best known for his 1970 hit “I Hear You Knocking,” is hospitalized and fighting for his life after suffering a “major cardiac arrest.”

The popular Welsh musician’s wife, Cici Edmunds, shared the shocking news in a lengthy Facebook post on July 29.

“My beloved husband of 40 years has had a major cardiac arrest,” she began. “He died in my arms while I desperately tried to keep him alive.”

Welsh singer, guitarist and record producer Dave Edmunds at Rockfield Studios, Monmouthshire, Wales, in September 1973. Getty Images

Edmunds, 81, was ultimately revived after his wife and a nurse administered “heavy CPR.”

“I’m still in shock, and I believe I have PTSD from the horrific experience,” his wife continued. “He very clearly has brain damage and severe memory loss.”

Dave Edmunds at the Rewind Festival in Cheshire, England, on Aug. 8, 2015. Mcpix/Shutterstock

“The risk of yet another major cardiac arrest is high,” Cici added. “And if that occurs, there is no chance for Dave.”

Cici and Dave Edmunds during an event. Bei/Shutterstock

“Dave will have a very long journey ahead of him if he survives. We both have,” Cici concluded. “But knowing that there are kind-hearted people such as you all makes this tremendously difficult journey a little easier.”

Born in Cardiff, Wales, on April 14, 1944, Edmunds had his breakthrough in 1968 when he joined the blues rock band Love Sculpture.

After Love Sculpture broke up in 1970, Edmunds went on to release his first solo album, “Rockpile,” in 1972.

Dave Edmunds performs at the Guitar Legends concert in Seville, Spain, in October 1991. Getty Images

“Rockpile” included the singer-songwriter’s cover of Smiley Lewis’ “I Hear You Knocking,” as well as a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Outlaw Blues.”

Edmunds’ cover of “I Hear You Knocking” quickly became a hit, and it spent six weeks at No. 1 in the UK.

Dave Edmunds performing at the Belga Beach Festival in De Panne, Belgium, on July 20, 1992. Getty Images

The Welsh producer later formed a band called Rockpile in 1980.

He recruited revered musicians Nick Lowe, Billy Bremner and Terry Williams, and the group released their seminal album, “Seconds of Pleasure,” with the single “Teacher, Teacher” that same year.

After releasing an instrumental record titled “On Guitar … Rags & Classics,” Edmunds took a break from music in 2015.

“I’m just sitting back at the moment, and I’m planning the next year or so,” he told Ultimate Classic Rock during an interview 10 years before his shocking health scare.

Dave Edmunds in a record office on Feb. 28, 1975. Getty Images

Brian Setzer, Edmunds’ close friend and former producer, claimed Edmunds officially retired from music and performing in July 2017.

“It’s with a bittersweet announcement that my good friend and guitar legend Dave Edmunds is retiring after tomorrow night’s show,” Setzer wrote on Facebook at the time.

“I wish him all the love in the world in his retirement!” Setzer added.