No Doubt guitarist, Tom Dumont, shared difficult news with fans on April 11 when he revealed he’d been diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease.
In a video posted to Instagram, he spoke openly to the camera to explain his news and why he decided to share it.
“The last couple months, getting ready for the No Doubt Sphere shows, it’s been very fun,” Tom said of the preparation for their reunion, which is less than a month away. “Looking through old footage and looking at old photographs and relearning old songs and rehearsing and creating all the video stuff for the Sphere.
“It’s kind of made me think about how grateful I am for the life I’ve gotten to lead, as a musician all these years. It’s thanks for our families and our friends and our listeners and you and everyone who’s come to our shows over the years.”
Tom, 58, then moved the conversation to his health.
His diagnosis
“So, a number of years ago I was experiencing a number of symptoms,” he recalled. “I went to my doctor, I went to a neurologist, did a whole bunch of tests, and I was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease.”
Tom confessed: “It’s been a struggle, it’s a struggle every day.”
However, despite the diagnosis, he remains positive about his condition and is thrilled to still be able to perform the upcoming shows.
Career plans
© Getty Images for FIREAID“The good news is I can still play music, I can still play guitar,” he said with a smile. “I’ve been doing really well. I’ve just been very inspired by other people who have come out to talk about their health issues on social media and that sort of thing. I think it helps erase some of the stigma and it raises awareness obviously, and awareness is really important for prevention and for research.”
Tom finished by saying: “I’m really excited about the shows, can’t wait to see everybody.”
The musician — who joined the band in 1988 — was inundated with prayers, kind messages and questions from fans. Tom said he would post another video specifically talking about Parkinson’s and his symptoms.
Support
© InstagramNo Doubt’s bassist, Tony Kanal commented: “Love you beyond words my friend. Can’t wait to get on stage with you again,” and the band’s drummer, Adrian Young, also wrote: “My friend, bandmate, and hero……I love you brother.”
“When someone who is 21-50 years old receives a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), it is referred to as early onset Parkinson’s disease, or young onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD),” the American Parkinson Disease Association website explains. It also says that “the symptoms of the disease are mostly the same at whatever age it develops.”
“Although there is no cure for the disease at this time, by identifying symptoms and determining a proper, proactive course of treatment and lifestyle changes, most people with the disease are able to remain active and lead fulfilling lives.”
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