Beverly Glenn-Copeland Reveals He is Living with Dementia

In a new video posted today (Sept. 23), Beverly Glenn-Copeland and his wife and creative collaborator Elizabeth Paddon revealed the beloved Canadian singer is living with dementia.

The illness impacts his memory and his spatial capabilities. "So far, it does not impact my ability to be fully in the moment with those I love," Glenn-Copeland says.

While it's very difficult to experience together, Elizabeth says, "as these parts of him go, I see his essential light shining brighter than ever, so as is often the case in life, in the sadness there is also a really profound beauty."

"We want to challenge the mainstream image... which focuses on loss," Glenn-Copeland continues.

Their goal is to find ways to continue doing what he most loves: making music, working with children, and encouraging the next generation.

Despite the difficulties, they're experiencing a "massive creative renewal," Elizabeth says: including a tour, a book, a musical adaption, and plans for a children's TV show.

The 80-year-old Glenn-Copeland started releasing music in the 1980s, but a belated rediscovery of his pioneering synth-driven albums, especially 1986's Keyboard Fantasies, has given him a fresh second act. He returned to the stage in 2018, and has been playing live ever since.

He's won a variety of awards and accolades over the last half decade, including the Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize in 2020, and has been celebrated as a trans icon in the music industry. Sam Smith covers his song "Ever New" on the upcoming Transa compilation.

In 2023, Glenn-Copeland put out his first new studio album in 20 years, The Ones Ahead, via Transgressive. He is about to embark on a North American tour, beginning this Thursday (Sept. 26) at the POP Montreal festival. This tour will be his last, he reveals.

It's been a difficult few years for Glenn-Copeland and Paddon. Dealing with financial difficulties during the pandemic, they had to move six times, but were able to continue due to support and care from others.

"We'll need support from community in the times ahead," says Glenn-Copeland. They'll share details soon on how people can help.

The touching video ends with the couple singing and dancing in their home.

Beverly Glenn-Copeland and friends: The Salon Evening takes place this Thursday (Sept. 26) at Théâtre Rialto in Montreal. Tickets are available here.