by cscott » Wed Apr 15, 2009 4:09 pm
Okay - so I've had alot of mixed feelings about Lou Gramm for the last year or so because quite frankly, I was shocked at how his health, appearance, and voice had deteriorated since his illness. On one hand, I admired his courage to get back out there and perform, but on the other hand, the videos I saw on YouTube from 2007 through mid 2008 were so horrible it was painful to watch. It was truly sad to see him as a mere shadow of his former self and I wondered if he should have just hung it up and not tainted the memory of how great he used to be.
But, after checking out some his most recent videos on YouTube, he has improved greatly. He is on key for the most part, his meter is a thousand times better, and he is really starting to sound like himself again. Granted, the songs are detuned and he moves the melodies around to accomodate his range, but it's quite listenable and it shows tremendous improvement and hopefully is indicative of improved health as well. On top of that, he seems to have gone through a spiritual awakening as a result of his illness and has the guts to go out and sing about his beliefs.
So after thinking about it a bit, I really think that Lou should be applauded for not giving up. It takes alot of guts to do what he has done, and so far it seems to be working. I'm glad that he has followed his heart and ignored the naysayers, (myself included) and has showed the heart and determination to keep fighting back the illness that almost killed him. This guy should be an inspiration to us all. So what if he isn't pitch perfect? So what if he has gained alot of weight from the steroids he had to take? At the rate he's going, those things aren't going to be factors for long anyway.
God Bless ya Lou!! Keep up the good work. I for one thank him for the countless great songs and performances of his past, and for the inspiration he provides now.
Living is much easier once we admit we're dying - Dream Theater