John Mann, the beloved lead singer of the band Spirit of the West, has died at the age of 57 after a battle with early onset Alzheimer’s.
Mann died in Vancouver on Wednesday. He was diagnosed several years ago.
In a statement , the band said, “Surrounded by friends and loving family until the end, all were reminded of John’s rich legacy. He was a potent force in music, acting — onstage, in movies and on television, and was world renowned as a songwriter. As well, he was a foresightful activist and charitable figure for several worthwhile organizations. His work will resound long after his untimely passing.”
Nominated for four Juno Awards, the band’s sound was a mix of Celtic influences and alt-rock, and made a major splash in Canadian folk music in the early ‘90s. They were especially noted for their hits “Home for a Rest” and “And if Venice is Sinking.”
Mann was previously diagnosed with cancer, in 2009, and made a full recovery by 2011. In 2014, he announced his Alzheimer’s diagnosis and continued to perform, using an iPad during performances to recall lyrics.
His experience with the disease was captured in Spirit Unforgettable , a 2016 documentary that followed the band ahead of their 2015 Massey Hall performance in Toronto.
Mann is survived by his wife and their two children, Harlan and Hattie.
Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2019
