BBC Breakfast hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay were joined on the sofa by legendary singer Tony Christie, who opened up about his dementia diagnosis.
During Tuesday’s (14 October) episode of BBC Breakfast, presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay invited legendary vocalist Tony Christie onto the programme to chat about his recent professional endeavours.
The 82 year old Tony appeared on BBC Breakfast with fellow performer Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet, as the pair spoke about collaborating on recordings and live shows.
Focus quickly shifted to Tony’s wellbeing after the artist disclosed in January 2023 that he was battling dementia. The singer confessed he was “getting older” but emphasised that “the voice is still there”, leading Sally to enquire about his condition.
“Tony, I think the last time you were on this sofa we talked about your dementia diagnosis,” she started. Tony quickly interrupted with a brilliant quip: “Oh, I’d forgotten about that!”
While Jon and Tony burst into laughter, Sally continued by noting: “The singing must help?”
“It was about four years ago that I was diagnosed with dementia,” Tony disclosed. “The doctor said, ‘You’re very fortunate you’re in the music business, because music is one of the things we recommend for people with dementia.'”
The performer then explained the beneficial effects singing can offer those dealing with dementia, whilst giving an update on his condition, reports the Express.
“It calms it down. So, she said, ‘You carry on singing and it’ll keep it down’,” he explained, before declaring: “And, it hasn’t got any worse because I’m still singing, it’s still working!”
Sally and Jon quizzed Tony about the potential challenges dementia might present during live performances, particularly when it comes to remembering song lyrics.
Tony disclosed that he’s been using a lyric sheet for many years while performing, even prior to his dementia diagnosis.
“When you’ve got hundreds of songs that you sing, you can’t remember them. It’s impossible, isn’t it?” Tony remarked.
Over the years, Tony has been candid about his dementia diagnosis in interviews and has consistently worked to raise awareness of the condition through the Music for Dementia charity, emphasising how music aids in triggering memories.
Together with his granddaughter, Deia, 18, they recently curated a dementia-friendly playlist for the charity’s online radio service m4dRADIO.com..
Deia appeared on BBC Breakfast back in September discussing her grandfather and their mutual passion for music.
BBC Breakfast is broadcast on BBC One every day from 6am.