Celine Dion has confirmed that she is suffering from a neurological disorder known as stiff person syndrome and is not feeling well enough to resume her tour in February as planned.
Earlier this year, the singer postponed her European tour dates to February 2023 due to “ongoing health issues”, but did not elaborate on what exactly they meant other than spasms. Now, in a video posted on Instagram, Dion said she was “not ready” to reveal more details about her past health, adding: “I’m ready now.”
He then revealed that he was living with stiff man syndrome, an extremely rare autoimmune neurological disease that affects “one in a million people”.
This disease mainly affects the brain and spinal cord and causes muscle stiffness, postural and sensory problems, as well as painful spasms (via Healthline).
“These spasms affect every aspect of my life, making it difficult for me to walk at times and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing like I normally do,” Dion explained through tears.
“I have an amazing team of doctors working by my side to help me get better, and my beautiful children who support me and give me hope. I am working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to improve my strength and ability to perform again, but I have to admit it was a struggle.
“All I know is singing, it’s what I’ve done all my life and it’s what I love to do the most. I miss you, I miss seeing you, being on the stage, performing for you. 100% when I do my concerts, but my condition doesn’t allow me to give you that right now.”
He ended by saying: “This is my focus and I’m doing everything I can to recover. I want to thank you for your expressions of love and support on my social networks. They mean a lot to me. Take care and be well. I love you very much. And I hope I can see you again very soon”.
Dion’s shows from February 24 to April 11, 2023 were rescheduled for 2024, while those from May 31 to July 17 were canceled entirely. His scheduled concerts from August to October 2023 have not been affected. See the list of new tour dates below:
MARCH, 2024
6 – Prague, O2 Arena
8 – Lodz, Atlas Arena
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10 – Krakow, Tauron Arena
13 – Zurich, Hallenstadion Zurich
14 – Zurich, Hallenstadion Zurich
16 – Zagreb, Zagreb Arena
19 – Cologne, Lanxess Arena
21 – Berlin, Mercedes Benz Arena
23 – Munich, Olympiahalle
26 – Budapest, Laszlo Papp Arena Budapest
28 – Vienna, Wiener Stadthalle
31 – Hamburg, Barclaycard Arena
April 2024
2- Mannheim, SP Arena
5 – Dublin, 3Arena
6 – Dublin, 3Arena
9- Manchester, AO Arena
13 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
14 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
17 – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
18 – Birmingham, Utilita Arena Birmingham
21 – London, The O2
22 – London, The O2
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