Here's what his wife had to say:
Campbell and his wife Kim have now gone public with the diagnosis ahead of a number of planned retirement shows later this year, revealing they don't want fans to worry if he forgets his lines.
Kim tells People magazine, "Glen is still an awesome guitar player and singer. But if he flubs a lyric or gets confused on stage, I wouldn't want people to think, 'What's the matter with him? Is he drunk?'"
Okay, I totally get the full disclosure so that he gets the most support and understanding while on tour, what I don't get is why they are trotting out a 75 year old guy with Alzheimer's for people to look at.
This just seems sad and wrong and voyeuristic on so many levels.
And I am sorry, but my brain is coming up with all kinds of jokes that are in really poor taste about this situation. I won't tell you, because really? That's just mean to go there.
He was really talented and so popular back in the day. Here is a little trip down Glen Campbell memory lane.
See there? That's a pretty handsome young man from Arkansas! And look at the next one. He knew Elvis!
And he was in True Grit with John Wayne.
He was singing about the Wichita Lineman.
And unlike Kenny Rogers who went out and got himself a new face, Glen Campbell aged just like a man of his life experience and years of hard partying should. Nothing wrong with that.
And then this happened. But I think this HAD to happen in order for him to get himself straight and sober and in touch with his personal Higher Power.
But he will always look like this to me. And he will be singing Gentle on my Mind.
I agree with you 100%...and it does seem sad and a bit voyeuristic. Great pics!
ReplyDeletedang! you are right.... I didn't even think about that... why are they trotting him out on stage???
ReplyDeleteI had a similar experience with Zig Ziglar a few years ago. He had come to our office to speak at a lunch session, and I was so excited to see him (he's actually the grandfather of a friend I've known since like 2nd grade). What I didn't realize was that he'd had a stroke in the past several years and ended up repeating stories over and over. It was SO sad, and I was really baffled that he continued to do the speaking circuit. Just kinda odd....
How sad! I love Glen Campbell. I suppose that as long as he thinks he's having fun, might as well keep him busy singing for the fans. ;)
ReplyDeleteI used to LOVE him. Still like him. Such a terrible way to die, knowing what is coming every day until you can't remember anything at all. Ugh. I hope his wife has lots and lots of support to help her through this.
ReplyDeleteReagan continued to be president with Alzheimers! If fans still want to hear Glen Campbell sing, that's okay. If some people come to see his state of dementia, that's not something we can really know. Maybe they will mostly come to see him in concert one last time. Some guys only go to concerts to see boobs on stage or around them. Didn't Glen Campbell have some financial difficulties? Maybe he needs to money. As long as he wants to do this, I don't see a problem, but what do I really know about all this...lol.
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