Fish to wear ‘seal flippers’ until surgery

A ROCK musician has been fitted with “seal flippers” because of a painful hand condition.

Dalkeith-born Fish, former lead singer with the band Marillion, has Dupuytren’s contracture, which has caused his little finger to bend into the palm of his left hand.

The condition will require surgery in which the skin on his hand is removed and his tendons scraped clean.

Doctors have also given the singer specially designed glove splints, described as “seal flippers”, which he has to wear in bed.

The 54-year-old singer, who is working on a new album, said: “They’re not sexy.

“I’m so glad that I’m a singer, because if I’d been a guitarist or a drummer, this would have put me out for at least six months.

“On stage, I’m much more aware of my left hand being a bit claw-like as I’m holding the mic in the same position for a long time and it goes numb.”