Less than a month before No Doubt reunite for their Las Vegas Sphere residency, guitarist Tom Dumont revealed he has been diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease.
“The last couple months, getting ready for the No Doubt Sphere shows, it’s been very fun,” Dumont said in a video posted on social media Saturday.
“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.”
The guitarist, who joined No Doubt in 1988, then shifted the conversation to his health. “So a number of years ago I was experiencing a number of symptoms. 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,” Dumont said. “It’s been a struggle, it’s a struggle every day.”
Dumont added he would post another video detailing his diagnosis and the symptoms he faces. Despite having early onset Parkinson’s disease, Dumont said he’ll still take part in No Doubt’s upcoming Sphere shows, scheduled to begin May 6.
“The good news is I can still play music, I can still play guitar. I’ve been doing really well,” Dumont said. “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.”
Dumont closed out his video statement by saying, “I’m really excited about the shows, can’t wait to see everybody.”
No Doubt drummer Adrian Young commented on Dumont’s video, “My friend, bandmate, and hero……I love you brother.” Bassist Tony Kanal added, “Love you beyond words my friend. Can’t wait to get on stage with you again.”
