Legendary British singer Tony Christie has opened up in an exclusive and moving interview about his life since being diagnosed with dementia, highlighting the profound power of music to unlock cherished memories the disease cannot erase.
A diagnosis and a lifeline
The 82-year-old Yorkshireman, famed for his global hit (Is This The Way To) Amarillo, received his diagnosis in 2023. Despite the challenges, Christie continues to perform and record new music, with recent work on both a tour and an album.
He explains that while music has always been central to his family's Christmases, accessing those familiar carols and records has become more difficult since his diagnosis. "Christmas has always been about music in my family," Christie shared. "But since my dementia diagnosis, I've learned something important: the music is still there, but getting to it isn't always easy."
The family connection
Christie credits his wife, Sue, and his granddaughter, Deià, for being his musical bridge. While Sue suggests the songs, Deià handles the technology, creating a system that works seamlessly for him.
He recounted a recent, powerful moment when Deià found music by The Ink Spots, a group his father used to play. "Hearing that music again filled my heart in a way I can't quite put into words," he said emotionally. "That's what music does when you're living with dementia. It unlocks memories you thought you'd lost. It creates moments of connection. It brings calm when anxiety creeps in."
A technological barrier for a generation
However, Christie is acutely aware that his situation is privileged. He points to alarming research from the charity Music for Dementia, which found that only three in ten family carers can stream music for their loved ones.
This is compounded by data from Age UK showing six in ten internet users over 65 never use the internet to stream music or videos. "The generation that grew up with The Beatles, Elvis, Motown, rock and roll – are now locked out of it. That’s a tragedy," Christie stated.
To combat this, he is promoting Music for Dementia's new Christmas campaign, 'Give the Music Back', and its accompanying ad. The campaign highlights how simple technology can instantly restore connection and joy, as demonstrated by a six-year-old granddaughter in the advert.
The charity promotes m4dRADIO, a free, non-stop radio station with no ads, presenters, or news. It broadcasts across six channels featuring music from the 1940s to the 1980s, including a mix channel that even features a playlist curated by Christie and his granddaughter.
Christie's final message is a heartfelt plea to families gathering for the festive season. "If you know someone living with dementia, help them access their music," he urged. "Sit together, and listen. Make a playlist. Set up a voice-activated speaker. Or tune in to m4dRADIO. Music isn't just entertainment. It's memory. It's identity. And everyone deserves access to that. Especially at Christmas."
Tony Christie is an ambassador for Music for Dementia. Free Yoto kits can be requested via the charity's website.
