Singer Tony Christie to release charity single following dementia diagnosis

Veteran singer Tony Christie is recording a new song as a thank you for carers across the UK in the wake of his dementia diagnosis.

The 79-year-old who announced in January this year that he had been diagnosed with dementia, has unveiled plans to record Thank You For Being a Friend on behalf of the Music for Dementia campaign.

The song – originally recorded by Christie’s friend Andrew Gold in 1978 and used as the theme tune for the hit US comedy The Golden Girls – will become the anthem for this year’s third Thank You Day on July 2, when the nation is being asked to come together to celebrate through the power of music the people and experiences that make each community special.

Christie is expected to have a host of special guests join him on the recording, which will be released ahead of Thank You Day as a free download. 

Christie is perhaps best known for his 1971 hit (Is This the Way To) Amarillo, which gained him a new fan base when it was re-recorded for Comic Relief in 2005, and I Did What I Did for Maria.

The singer, who turns 80 on April 25, has opened up in interviews about how he has found music has improved his dementia symptoms, and how he is determined to continue recording and touring. He now uses a screen on stage to help him remember the lyrics to his songs.

It has long been recognised that access to music – especially nostalgic tunes – can have a positive impact on those living with dementia and their carers by reducing anxiety and depression, helping maintain language and speech, as well as improving quality of life.

If anybody knows the power music can have on people who live with dementia, it is Christie and his family, who have all thrown themselves behind the Thank You Day campaign.

Tony Christie is releasing a special song for Thank You Day. Credit Jason Sheldon at Junction 10

Christie said: ““I continue to tour as I’ve found music improves the symptoms associated with my dementia, so every time I go on stage and work it’s helping me. It’s important for me to stay positive and try not to let dementia affect my life, but I still need some support.

“If anyone deserves a thank you it’s the UK’s unseen – and unsung – army of carers. This one is for them! 

“When Music for Dementia asked me to sing Thank You for Being a Friend by my old friend Andrew Gold it really felt like the stars were aligning. It is the perfect song for a day that celebrates all the good in the world and I’m so proud to be part of it.” 

Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, difficulties concentrating, mood changes, confusion about time and place, and struggling to hold and follow a conversation.

Sarah Metcalfe, MD at Music for Dementia, which is founded and funded by The Utley Foundation, said: “Thank You Day is about coming together to say thank you to the people that make this country so special. With lived experience of dementia, Tony embodies the power music has to improve life and bring joy, so we’re delighted he’s agreed to sing the Thank You Day anthem. 

“We already have a host of committed partners and activations lined up and we’ll be revealing more over the coming weeks and months.”

The campaign is being backed by organisations such as the Music Publishers Association, which played a key role in helping secure Gold’s song for Thank You Day, Casio, the Royal Albert Hall, Girlguiding, Care England, the TAP Thank and Praise app, the National Care Forum and Dementia Carers Count. 

Music for Dementia, which is leading the charge to get communities connected through music, is working with the health and social care sectors to encourage the public to take part in Thank You Day.

It’s hoped the event, which started during the Covid-19 pandemic will see Thank You for Being a Friend sung all around the UK at festivals, street parties, care homes, community choir performances and across social media sites.

To find out more about Thank You Day and the wider ways you can get involved visit musicfordementia.org.uk or thankyouday.org.uk.