Tom Grennan Forced to Wear Jaw Plates for Life After Harrowing Assaults
Singer-songwriter Tom Grennan, who will lace up his boots in the upcoming Soccer Aid match for England at Old Trafford, has revealed that he must live with metal plates and screws in his jaw following a violent attack during his teenage years. Grennan, a respected chart-topping artist and football enthusiast, has spoken candidly about how this and a more recent assault left lasting marks on both his body and his mental wellbeing.
Grennan, age 30, is set to feature among a celebrity line-up that includes the likes of Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, and Dame Denise Lewis as England attempts to defend their Soccer Aid title. Known for his dynamic performances and love for football, Grennan stood out in last year’s charity match, impressively earning the “player of the match” title. Many forget, however, that before his musical career took off, Grennan was determined to carve out a future in football.
As a youngster, Grennan briefly played for Luton Town and underwent trials with both Northampton Town and Aston Villa. The passionate Coventry City supporter was even given the chance to play in the United States, an offer he ultimately declined to pursue his burgeoning music career. He later reflected that his gut instinct guided him toward singing – a choice that has since seen him collaborate with Chase & Status, headline major festivals, and achieve two UK number one albums.
However, Grennan’s journey to prominence has been beset by significant trauma. At just 18, an unprovoked assault by strangers left him hospitalised with a broken jaw. The injuries were so severe that surgeons were required to insert lifelong metal fixtures into his jaw, ensuring he would carry a physical reminder of the incident for years to come.
The physical pain, Grennan admits, was matched by deep emotional scars. The aftermath of the attack saw him withdraw from social situations, plagued by anxiety and depression. In an interview, Grennan described the psychological toll, recalling that he struggled to leave his home and needed extensive therapy to recover. Despite the trauma, the singer maintains a resilient perspective: “It made me very thankful. I try to look at it positively,” he once reflected.
Unfortunately, Grennan would face further adversity in 2022. After performing in New York, he was targeted in another unprovoked assault and robbery. The brutal incident again hospitalised the singer, this time with a ruptured ear and a torn eardrum. Doctors also had concerns regarding his previously fractured jaw, leading to the postponement of several tour dates. His team issued statements at the time to reassure fans, noting Grennan’s optimistic spirit despite his injuries.
These harrowing experiences have not diminished Grennan’s love for football or performance. His determination to return to the stage and the pitch speaks volumes about his resilience. As he prepares for another Soccer Aid appearance, Grennan’s story stands as a testament to perseverance in the face of trauma.
Soccer Aid raises millions each year for UNICEF, uniting celebrities and sporting legends to compete on the pitch for charity. This year’s England squad will meet a World XI ensemble featuring notable former professionals, including Nemanja Vidic and Carlos Tevez, alongside public figures such as Martin Compston and Bryan Habana. The event, while entertaining, offers participants like Grennan an opportunity to support a vital cause and celebrate recovery and hope.
While Tom Grennan’s talents as both a singer and footballer are well recognised, it is perhaps his ability to overcome adversity that truly sets him apart. His candidness about mental health challenges continues to inspire fans, serving as a reminder that resilience can flourish even after life-altering setbacks. As Grennan takes to the Old Trafford pitch, he does so not only as a performer but as a survivor.