Retired Music Icons Suffer from Illness
Notable musicians have reported health issues related to Parkinson's disease and its associated complications, as detailed below:
Neil Diamond, 84, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease by the Mayo Clinic. This condition affects the nervous system and can cause speech problems, involuntary movement, and memory loss.
Linda Ronstadt, 78, the renowned "Queen of Country Rock," is affected by Parkinson's disease. Additionally, she was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a more aggressive form of the disease.
Phil Collins, 74, an eight-time Grammy-winning drummer, now uses a wheelchair due to nerve damage in his hands. Moreover, he has complications from an operation on his spinal injury, as well as type 2 diabetes.
Steven Tyler, 77, from the band Aerosmith, has yet to announce a return to retirement. Previously, he had announced retirement plans for a concert tour scheduled for 2023, but as of now, he has not done so.
Steuart Smith, 72, the long-time guitarist for the Eagles, retired in February following his diagnosis with Parkinsonism. He joined the Eagles in 2001 after Don Felder departed, contributing memorable guitar solos such as those in "Hotel California."
Huey Lewis, 74, a legendary American singer, songwriter, and actor, has been diagnosed with Meniere's disease, a condition that can affect hearing and balance. Icons like "The Power of Love" and "Cruisin'," a duet with Gwyneth Paltrow, are among his famous hits.
Ozzy Osbourne, 76, the iconic vocalist of Black Sabbath, is reportedly retiring due to Parkinson's disease and complications from spinal surgery. The final show for Ozzy Osbourne and the original Black Sabbath lineup is scheduled for England in July 2025.
These artists join others, such as Nenad Bach, Mick Jones (Foreigner), and John Stapleton, who have shared their battles with Parkinson's disease, working towards awareness and advocacy for the disease.
- The health issues of various notable musicians such as Neil Diamond, Linda Ronstadt, Phil Collins, and Ozzy Osbourne point to a significant connection between Parkinson's disease and the music industry.
- Science and health professionals, like those at the Mayo Clinic, play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing health-and-wellness issues related to Parkinson's disease, including the cases of Neil Diamond and Steuart Smith.
- Fitness-and-exercise and mental-health are crucial aspects in maintaining quality of life for those diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. For instance, exercise can help reduce symptoms like stiffness and tremors.
- The ongoing battles of musicians like Nenad Bach, Mick Jones, and John Stapleton with Parkinson's disease serve as reminders of the challenges faced by individuals during the aging process and highlight the importance of entertainment, music, and advocacy in raising awareness about mental-health and aging-related diseases.
