According to an AP report of Glen Campbell’s first performance since the announcement of his Alzheimer’s disease, Campbell is still — well, Glen Campbell.

The article states:

Campbell’s first performance since announcing he has Alzheimer’s, the degenerative brain disease that’s slowly robbing him of his memories and abilities, was largely a triumph. His family and road crew were worried he might be rusty after a long layoff since his last performance. Except for a few flubbed lyrics, quickly corrected with the help of teleprompters, Campbell and his band powered through a tight 22-song set interspersed with self-deprecating jokes.

Campbell doesn’t quit easily. When he went public about his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, he said he wanted to do a final tour while he could still entertain his fans. He’s aware that his ability to remember lyrics and the famous guitar genius that has earned him accolades as one of the best in the business, will likely diminish as AD continues to spread in his brain.

The actual tour has yet to begin. This show was mostly about being with friends and family, and playing publicly again after some time off. Campbell joked with the crowd:

I tell you I’m happy to be here. At my age I’m happy to be anywhere.

Family a big support

Tour manager Bill Maclay stressed the presence of family as part of the good vibes during the show. Campbell’s wife, Kim, began accompanying him on the road three years ago. His band includes his oldest daughter, Debby Campbell-Cloyd, who sings harmony, sons Cal on drums and Shannon on guitar and daughter Ashley on banjo and keys.

The family unit being nearby likely reassures Campbell. Even in the early stages of Alzheimer’s there is uncertainty, and some confusion, because of the short-term memory loss that is a signature of the disease. A public performance is a terrific way to help Campbell gain confidence in his abilities rather than focus on what will be mounting disabilities. With the use of a teleprompter, help from family members and supportive fans, Campbell’s first show since his announcement went beautifully.

I expect his full tour will go well. The fans of this extraordinary musician will be forgiving of any little glitches. After all he’s given the music world, fans will happily give back a little compassion. It looks, however, as though Campbell won’t even need much of that. Music is in his soul and the soul survives Alzheimer’s.

This trial performance was a triumph not only for Campbell, but for others with Alzheimer’s disease as well.

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Tags: Alzheimer's disease, Dementia