Tony Christie, the singer known for his 1971 recording of “(Is This the Way to) Amarillo”, has said he is trying his best to “ignore” his dementia. The musician, 81, was diagnosed with the condition in 2021 but is determined to continue performing live for as long as possible. "I actually ignore it.
I just carry on and do my thing,” he told ITV’s Good Morning Britain. "Obviously, I’ve got to use autocue, but I’ve used an autocue for donkey’s years when I’m performing,” he continued. "I’m doing stuff from albums and I can’t remember all these lyrics from 40 or 50 years ago so I do use an autocue to help me, because otherwise if I make a mess of a song the audience lose, not me.
" Christie said he believes performing actually helps with his dementia, adding: "When I was diagnosed with it, the doctor said ‘You’re in the music business so you’re very lucky, because that’s one of the things that helps dementia people.’ "So I’m very fortunate, the music takes your mind off the things, you don’t forget music,” he said. "You forget people’s names and things and lyrics but, as soon as the music starts, you’re back.
It’s memory, you never forget it." The singer-songwriter spoke about how music helps his dementia last year, while re-releasing his song “Thank You For Being a Friend” on behalf of the charity Music For Dementia. “It’s important for me to stay positive and try not to let dementia affect my life but I still need some sup.