John Mann

Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I would like to let you know that I have been diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. I know this will come as a shock to many of you. It wasn’t for me. I’ve had my fears and suspicions, but I was remaining hopeful that there was some other cause for the problems I was experiencing.
Hearing the news has been a difficult blow. My family and I have taken some time to try and absorb the ramifications as we struggle to come to terms with the changes that have occurred and are yet to come.
But I don’t want to spend any more energy trying to hide my symptoms. I don’t want to feel embarrassed. I want to accept what has happened and live. I will continue to make music and I will continue to do shows.I need to use an iPad now to help with the lyrics and for my solo shows, either Al Rodger or Tobin Frank will accompany and support me with their diverse and abundance of talents. My Spirit of the West band mates have circled me with care and we will forge ahead as we’ve been doing the last 30 some odd years with humour and friendship, playing our hearts out. I will continue to write and tour because this is what I do and what I love.
Thanks for being there,
John