‘If anyone deserves a thank you it’s the unseen and unsung army’: Music legend Tony Christie is releasing a brand new single dedicated to carers – after revealing his heartbreaking dementia diagnosis
Tony Christie will release a brand new single to thank Britain’s carers following his heartbreaking dementia diagnosis.
The music legend, 79, already has a full diary with a UK tour, two albums and a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, in the pipeline despite his devastating diagnosis, which he went public with in January.
And on Monday he revealed he will record Thank You for Being a Friend as the anthem of this year’s Thank You Day, which aims to highlight the work done by Britain’s unsung carers.
The song, originally a hit for his old pal Andrew Gold and later rewritten as the soundtrack to classic sitcom The Golden Girls, will be available as a free download.
Tony said: ‘When I go to my local shop, I’m being stopped so many times by people saying ‘thank you’ for what you’ve done.
Music legend: Tony Christie is releasing a brand new single, to thank the UK’s ‘unsung’ army of carers
Heartbreaking: The singer, 79, revealed he had been diagnosed with dementia back in January
‘People are saying their partners have dementia and they’d been struggling with their diagnosis, but since seeing me talk about it, it’s helped them.
‘If anyone deserves a thank you it’s the UK’s unseen and unsung army of carers.
‘I knew Andrew years and years ago when he did the original hit, so it’s special to be recording it.
‘It’s a great song and we’re getting together some top star names to be on it.
‘Everybody is ringing and offering to help and be part of the song. I’m sure it’s going to be big.
‘It is the perfect song for a day that celebrates all the good in the world and I’m so proud to be part of it.’
Tony was asked to record the song for Music for Dementia, a cross-sector campaign which calls for music to be an integral part of dementia care.
Tony – famed for early 1970s hits Las Vegas, I Did What I Did For Maria, and (Is This The Way to) Amarillo – says singing has helped him since his diagnosis.
New hit: The Is This The Way To Amarillo? singer will release a new song called Thank You For Being A Friend
Keeping busy: Tony has a full diary with a UK tour, two albums and a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, in the pipeline
He added: ‘The specialist that put me on these very strong tablets said the fact I’m listening to music and singing is one of the best things that slows dementia down.
‘I’m finding it difficult to do my crosswords, but I just accept it and carry on. I’m 80 in a couple of weeks’ time, but I’m busy and I like it that way.
‘I’m off to Nashville in June, I’ve been three times before, but I’ve always been busy working so this time I’m taking my wife, I want her to enjoy it.
‘I’m doing two albums, I’m touring all this year and going into next year as well. I’m working hard and it’s helping me.’
Music for Dementia is leading the music activities for Thank You Day 2023, which will be on July 2.
Last year, nine million Brits took part in festivities to show their appreciation for unsung in heroes in their communities.
Organisers have called for the public to sing the song at street parties, care homes and community choir performances.
Sarah Metcalfe, Managing Director at Music for Dementia, said: ‘Tony embodies the power music has to improve life and bring joy, so we’re delighted he’s agreed to sing the Thank You Day anthem.’
Visit https://musicfordementia.org.uk/ to find out more.
Campaign: Tony is recording the song for Music for Dementia, which calls for music to be an integral part of dementia care
Comfort: Tony has been listening and singing to music as a way to slow down the onset of dementia
Musical trio: Tony is pictured with Graeme Pleeth and Andrew Gold
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