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Tom Dumont, the guitarist renowned for his work with No Doubt, has opened up about his long-term battle with early-onset Parkinson’s disease.
Dumont, whose talent has been instrumental in creating iconic tracks like “Just a Girl” and “Don’t Speak,” shared his story with fans on Instagram this past Saturday through a heartfelt video.
Despite the challenges Parkinson’s disease poses, particularly for a guitarist who relies heavily on hand coordination, Dumont reassured his followers that he remains in good spirits and continues to play music.
In the video, he revealed that his journey with the disease began several years ago when he noticed some early symptoms.
“I consulted my doctor and a neurologist, underwent numerous tests, and was eventually diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease,” the 58-year-old musician explained.
‘It’s been a struggle. It’s a struggle every day… The good news is, I can still play music. I can still play guitar,’ he added.
Tom Dumont, guitarist for the hit band No Doubt, is pictured in a video discussing his early-onset Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. He posted the video on Saturday
Dumont assured his fans that he is ‘doing really well’ and that he ‘can still play music.’ He is pictured playing guitar in a video he posted on Instagram on April 1
Dumont contributed to No Doubt’s smash hits such as Just a Girl. He is pictured (center right) with his No Doubt bandmates in 1996
Dumont said the reason he decided to share the diagnosis now is because he was inspired by other people who have publicly discussed their health problems.
‘I think it helps erase some of the stigma, and it raises awareness, obviously, and awareness is really important for prevention and for research,’ the guitarist said.
April 11, the day Dumont posted his video, is also World Parkinson’s Day. The guitarist appears to be dedicated to continuing raising awareness for the disease, as he said he would post another video discussing ‘what Parkinson’s entails.’
According to the World Parkinson’s Day organization, 12 million people currently suffer from the illness, which is the ‘fastest growing neurological disease on the planet.’
Parkinson’s is characterized by symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slow movement and balance issues. It usually impacts people over the age of 60.
There is no cure for the disease, but there are treatments to help mitigate its symptoms.
From left to right, No Doubt bassist Tony Kanal, singer Gwen Stefani, drummer Adrian Young and guitarist Tom Dumont are pictured together in 2015
In his video posted on Saturday, Dumont thanked his fans and said he was grateful ‘for the life I’ve gotten to lead as a musician all these years.’ No Doubt is pictured in 1996
Dumont also discussed No Doubt’s upcoming residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, which will last from May 6 to June 13
In his video, Dumont also discussed No Doubt’s upcoming residency at the Las Vegas Sphere.
‘It’s been very fun looking through old footage and looking at old photographs and re-learning old songs, and rehearsing, and creating all the video stuff for the screens at the Sphere,’ he said.
The guitarist took the opportunity to say he was grateful ‘for the life I’ve gotten to lead as a musician all these years,’ and he thanked his fans.
No Doubt’s Las Vegas Sphere residency begins on May 6 and will end on June 13. Dumont will perform 18 shows over that period with singer Gwen Stefani, drummer Adrian Young and bassist Tony Kanal.
Dumont received an outpouring of support from his fans and bandmates in the comments of his Instagram video.
‘My friend, bandmate, and hero……I love you brother,’ Young, the No Doubt drummer, wrote under the post.
‘Love you beyond words my friend. Can’t wait to get on stage with you again,’ said Kanal, the No Doubt bassist.