John McNicholl’s song raises awareness of dementia

While he is one of the liveliest, most light-hearted singers on stage, there is sadness behind the scenes for John McNicholl. His father has dementia and to raise awareness of the condition his new single is titled He’s Not the Man he used to Be.

Its lyrics are poignant but, as the vocals and music are very lively, it’s not a slow, maudlin song that wallows in sentimentality. There is an honesty and sincerity about this song.

“Dad is 81 now but he has been in a nursing home for the last three years. He has two types of the condition, vascular (triggered by strokes) and lewy body dementia (causing movement issues and hallucinations).

“It’s rare for a person to have both and all my mum, and the rest of the family, can do is to try to ensure he is happy and comfortable while focusing on the good times, as those memories are a consolation for all families,” says John.

He added that raising a family of 15 by his parents Colm and Mary McNicholl in Derry wasn’t easy, especially during the Troubles.

“They did so well for us all and we will never forget that for them. My mum is doing ok at home, and I try to visit her and my dad at least once or twice a week,” says the singer, who has lived in Mayo for many years where he often sings at Knock Basilica.

While he can sing Gospel songs with sensitivity John can rock-up his style of Country with the best of them as he did recently at the Summer Country Concert in Tuam’s Ard Ri Hotel where many of the audience saw him as the star of the show.

He hadn’t released his new song at that time but says that it is lively enough, even if sad, to be included in his live programme.

“We wanted it to be fast paced in order for it to be uplifting for people listening who have family members or friends with dementia,” says John.

His parents are never far from his mind when performing, but to say he is busy, at home and abroad, is almost an understatement.“We are just back from a trip to Lourdes and we have our Nashville trip sold out for next May as well as having to do a second tour there in October 2027 plus all the concerts and dances here at home.

“Hopefully my song will reach out to others in some way and help them understand how best to deal with dementia, while staying focused on the good times, as our family have had to do since our dad was diagnosed,” he concluded.