Knox smiles but still can't speak

KENT BLECHYNDEN/Dominion Post

ICON: Kiwi music icon Chris Knox, pictured here singing in 2008.

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Rock musician Chris Knox is smiling and recognising people after having a stroke, one of his former bandmates says.

But Paul Kean, bass player for Knox's ex-band Toy Love, said he understood the 57-year-old was still unable to talk after Thursday's stroke and that doctors had taken action to try to relieve pressure on Knox's skull.

Knox had apparently been able to drink water and answer basic questions while being taken to hospital, Kean said.

A cartoonist and author, Knox was in a stable condition in Auckland Hospital's stroke unit yesterday.

Earlier friends said doctors were anticipating that Knox would at best be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Kean said the whole New Zealand music scene was rallying around him.

Knox's partner, Barbara Ward, was too upset to comment yesterday.

A family spokesman said Ms Ward (to whom Knox dedicated the hit Not Given Lightly) and children John and Leisha were grateful for the support and love they were getting.