Jazz Musician Gill Hicks Reflects on Survival 20 Years After 7/7 Bombings

On July 7, 2025, jazz musician Gill Hicks will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the tragic suicide bombings that rocked London’s public transport, killing 52 individuals and injuring over 700. Hicks, who was severely wounded in the attack, lost both her legs and emerged from the wreckage to dedicate her life to honoring those who saved her, as well as to sharing her story through music.

In an emotionally charged performance titled "Still Alive (and Kicking)," Hicks aims to celebrate survival and resilience. "I hope to get through the opening number without breaking down in a heap," she remarked with a hint of humor. This show, which has already been performed in Australia, will feature around 20 members of the medical and emergency teams who aided her on that fateful day.

Gill Hicks was on her way to work when one of the bombers detonated his device in her tube carriage, located between King’s Cross and Russell Square. After being trapped for approximately 40 minutes, she was finally rescued, but her injuries were so severe that hospital staff labeled her simply as "One unknown, estimated female." This stark identification illustrates the chaos and tragedy of that day, which remains etched in the collective memory of London.

"I used my scarf as a tourniquet around what was left of my legs to stop the bleeding," Hicks recalled, emphasizing the gravity of her situation. She described making a mental contract with herself: if given a second chance at life, she would ensure it counted.

Hicks, who had spent over two decades living and working in London as a designer and architect, moved to Australia in 2013 following her recovery. She has since dedicated her efforts to organizations advocating for peace. Despite the trauma, she chooses not to associate London solely with her experience of violence. "That’s the one power that we all have, to be able to choose how we react and respond," she said.

As Hicks prepares for her upcoming show, she reflects on the impact of her disability and the labels that have been imposed upon her. "Suddenly you’re a disabled person, so that’s one label. You’re a double amputee, that’s another. You’re a survivor, or are you a victim?" she pondered. This struggle to define her identity has been a constant theme in her post-recovery life.

Hicks emphasizes that the journey toward healing is complicated and ongoing. "My legs won’t grow back. I live in quite a lot of constant pain," she admitted. Yet she finds solace in the arts, which have helped her reclaim her identity as a musician and artist. "It took me months to learn how to speak again," she noted, highlighting the profound challenges she faced.

In her performance, Hicks will not only sing but will also showcase her vibrant paintings, symbolizing her journey and transformation. Through her art and music, she aims to shift focus from hate and extremism to the love and compassion she received during her recovery. "What I want my show to bring to people is a celebration of life and the extraordinary, unconditional love that I was shown," she stated.

The upcoming performance at Wilton’s Music Hall in London on July 9 serves as a poignant reminder of both personal and collective resilience in the face of adversity. As Hicks poignantly puts it, "How do I tell that? How do I be the reminder?" The significance of her story extends beyond her personal experience, resonating with themes of survival, identity, and the enduring human spirit in the aftermath of tragedy.