Everclear Singer Art Alexakis Reveals MS Diagnosis

Everclear frontman Art Alexakis has today revealed his diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in an open letter published to the band's website.

Alexakis has shared that the diagnosis came shortly after a car accident three years when the singer had under tests for injuries he had thought were related to the incident. 

"About two weeks later, I started feeling a tingle and numbness in my arm, thinking it was a pinched nerve in my neck, I went to the doctor and underwent an MRI. The report showed that I did indeed have a pinched nerve, but the pathologist also saw lacerations and suspicious marks on my spinal cord as well… scary, to say the least," says Alexakis in the letter.

"I was sent to see a neurologist, who did a ridiculous number of tests - more MRI’s, a spinal tap, over fifty blood tests, and numerous cognitive and balance tests. After receiving the results, he told me that I have a form of Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS), and that I have had it for anywhere between 10 to 20 years." 

According to MS Research Australia "Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves). The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS cannot be predicted."

Alexakis has said one of the reasons he chose to share his diagnosis as "that I have been hearing a lot of people say that I am drinking again or back on drugs because they have seen me look unsteady on stage or around town," and has revealed that he is releasing his first solo album this year, as well as touring and writing a book. Read the full letter here. 

Everclear are best-known for tracks likes Santa Monica, Heroin Girl and Father Of Mine. They most recently toured Australia in 2017 for their So Much For The Afterglow 20th anniversary tour.