Everclear Frontman Art Alexakis Reveals MS Diagnosis

Alan MacRae – Art Alexakis of Everclear
Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion, Gilford, N.H.

In a heartfelt letter to fans Everclear’s Art Alexakis explained that he has been living with multiple sclerosis for more than a decade.

The letter, shared through Everclear’s website, was written in response to rumors circulating among attendees of Everclear shows that Alexakis looked unsteady on his feet and may have returned to drugs or alcohol.

“One of the reasons I wanted to be more public about my disease is that I have been hearing a lot of people say that I am drinking again or back on drugs because they have seen me look unsteady on stage or around town (people say all sorts of nasty things when they don’t think you can hear them). To be honest, I have never cared about what people say about me personally – except, that is, for the people that I care about (ie..YOU) and what they think. I wanted you to know the truth, simple as that.

“So, if you see me stumbling…sweaty, looking both tired and anxious at the same time, maybe a little more confused than usual, or forgetting lyrics yet looking happy (which is weird for me), please know that I have not fallen off the wagon. I am just learning how to be the new me.”

Alexakis also explains how he discovered his MS after a car accident several years ago, and revealed that he has a solo album on the way, titled Sun Songs. He promises to share that material on a solo tour called “Songs and Stories” with Chris Collingwood of Fountains of Wayne, Max Collins of Eve 6 and John Wozniak of Marcy Playground starting May 1.

Alexakis spoke to Pollstar about a previous “Songs & Stories” tour in 2014.

Everclear celebrated 20 years of its hit album, So Much For The Afterglow, in 2017 with a tour of North America and Australia, which was ironic as the first time the band went Down Under it was a bona-fide dumpster fire, complete with explosions, stolen equipment and band infighting. Alexakis is the only remaining member in Everclear who saw that original tour.

That 2017 run brought them all around North America, with highlight grosses cresting the $40,000 point in New Braunfels, Texas; Midland, Texas; Hampton Beach, N.H.; Seattle; and Portland, Ore.