5 Oct 2022

Sir Dave Dobbyn upbeat on performing after Parkinson's diagnosis

1:49 pm on 5 October 2022
Dave Dobbyn

Sir Dave Dobbyn says being diagnosed with Parkinson's will not stop him performing. Photo: Supplied

Award-winning singer Sir Dave Dobbyn has revealed he has Parkinson's disease.

In a Facebook post, the artist said he had been feeling shaky for a while, and was diagnosed with the disease in July.

He said he now had a tremor in his right hand, and it gave his guitar playing "a new kind of twang".

Sir Dave said the diagnosis had given him a wider appreciation of life, and he would still be performing.

"I have to do what I love, so it's business as usual and on with the show, singing all the way.

"My great band arrives in the studio tomorrow ahead of our jaunt to Brisbane for the UB40 (Ali Campbell) show."

Fellow musicians were among many to offer their support after the announcement.

"Love you Dave. You're an inspiration in so many ways man. Play on Sir!," Jason Kerrison said.

"Life can be rugged, can get pretty dark, but that attitude is the best outlook, and it doesn't surprise me from such a legend," Matt Joe Gow said.

Among Sir Dave's best known songs as a solo performer or with the group DD Smash are 'Whaling', 'Outlook for Thursday' and 'Slice of Heaven'.

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