Tony Christie, 82, a singer from Arlington, was given a dementia diagnosis in 2023. The Yorkshireman discusses the power of music to “unlock memories you think you’ve lost” in a moving manner.
Tony Christie, the renowned singer behind the hit song “Is This The Way To Amarillo,” was diagnosed with dementia two years ago. Tony, 82, has recently been working on a tour and an album, and despite receiving a diagnosis, he continues to perform and record.
The singer, who spoke exclusively to the Mirror, discusses how music can be used as a tool to support those closest to him who is diagnosed with dementia and how you can do the same.
“Christmas has always been about music in my family. The carols, the records playing in the background, the songs that remind you of people you love. But since my dementia diagnosis in 2023, I’ve learned something important: the music is still there, but getting to it isn’t always easy.
I’m one of the lucky ones. I still get to sing almost every day – performing keeps me connected to the songs that have been part of my life for decades. But when it comes to just sitting down and listening to music?
My wife Sue and my granddaughter Deià enter that area. Deià assists with the technology while Sue suggests the songs. They jointly operate it.
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Deià recently purchased The Ink Spots, which my father used to play when I was a child. Hearing that song once more gave me a profound sense of emotion. When dementia is present, music serves that purpose.
It brings back memories that you initially lost. It provides instantaneous connection. When anxiety starts to creep in, it brings calm. And most importantly, it makes you remember who you are.
But most people with dementia can’t access their music as easily as I can. Not because the music isn’t there, but because modern technology has left them behind. Music for Dementia’s research found that only three in ten family carers can stream music with their loved one.
Age UK found that six in ten internet users over 65 never use the internet to stream music or videos. I’m 82 so this does not surprise me! The generation that grew up with The Beatles, Elvis, Motown, rock and roll – are now locked out of it. That’s a tragedy.
A new Christmas ad called Give the Music Back was just released this Christmas by Music for Dementia, which highlights how technology is lulling older people.
The gift of music, which instantly brings connection and joy to the family, is the gift of a six-year-old granddaughter. I urge you to watch it. I’m more emotionally invested in it than any big-budget retail campaign.
The ad promotes the charity’s m4dRADIO station – an invaluable resource for families impacted by dementia. It plays non-stop music without ads, presenters or news across six channels, from the 1940s through to the 1980s and a Mix channel. It’s completely free and it’s well worth a listen. You may even hear the playlist that Deià and I created together!
Families gather at Christmas, and music is all over. However, they are left on the sidelines of their own Christmas if their parents can’t access the songs that mean something to them.
I’ve seen the potential of music. It brings back memories that have been lost and strengthens my family’s bonds over time. There is no need to invest a lot. The newest technology is not necessary. What you need is something straightforward, accessible, and made for older people.
Give someone who has dementia access to their music if they are your friend. Listen while you sit together. Create a playlist. Install a voice-activated speaker, as Deià did for me. or tune into m4dRADIO.
Music is more than just entertainment. It is memory. It has its identity. Everyone should be able to access that. particularly at Christmas.”
Tony Christie is an ambassador for Music for Dementia. To request a free Yoto kit, visit musicfordementia.org.uk/yoto.*
Source: Mirror
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