Del Amitri Frontman Shares Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Scottish rock band Del Amitri’s frontman, Justin Currie, has disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The singer-songwriter opened up about his illness during an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Tremolo program, scheduled for broadcast next month. Del Amitri, known for hits like “Kiss This Thing Goodbye,” “Nothing Ever Happens,” and “Always The Last to Know,” is gearing up for a major tour.
Currie shared that he first suspected something was wrong when he experienced difficulty grasping his guitar plectrum. Reflecting on his concern, he mentioned, “When you are doing something you know really well, like riding a bike or something and you suddenly can’t do it properly anymore—you think you’re going mad.”
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition affecting the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors and stiffness over time. Notable figures like Jeremy Paxman, Rory Cellan-Jones, and Mark Mardell have also received diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease.
During the interview, Currie recounted visiting Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow after his GP raised concerns about a potential neurological condition. The singer faced a challenging wait for a brain scan, with a year before a confirmed diagnosis. Despite receiving the diagnosis, Currie has decided to continue working, touring, and playing music.
He described an “uneasy feeling that another man is growing inside me, slowly ceasing the means of control.” Currie named the intermittent shake in his hand as “Gavin,” as a reminder of his illness. As Del Amitri prepares for its upcoming tour, Currie acknowledges the impact on his guitar-playing ability and voice. He shared the challenges of relearning parts of the band’s hits and adapting to changes in muscle control.
Del Amitri, known for a string of hits in the 1980s and 1990s, went on a 12-year hiatus before reuniting in 2014. The band will be touring in support of Simple Minds on the European leg of their global tour and headlining the HebCelt festival in July.
Currie’s revelation adds a personal layer to his journey and highlights his determination to pursue his passion amid health challenges. The full interview is set to air on BBC Radio 4’s Tremolo on March 10th.
Comment Template