The 58-year-old guitarist — who joined the band in 1988 — revealed he started experiencing symptoms “a number of years ago” and admitted it’s been a “struggle every day” but he’s currently “doing well” and is still able to play music.
In a video posted on Instagram, he explained he’s been getting ready for No Doubt’s upcoming residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas and he wanted to share his health news with fans.
Tom said: “The last couple of months getting ready for the No Doubt Sphere shows, it’s been very fun, looking through old footage and looking at old photographs and relearning old songs … It’s kinda made me think about how grateful I am for the life I’ve gotten to lead as a musician all these years.
“It’s thanks for our families and our friends and our listeners and you and everyone who’s come to our shows over the years.
“The other thing I wanted to talk about was my health … A number of years ago I was experiencing a number of symptoms, I went to my doctor, I went to a neurologist and I did a whole bunch of tests, and I was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease.
“It’s been a struggle. It’s a struggle every day … “
However, he went on to insist he’s still able to perform and will be a part of No Doubt’s Sphere shows, which kick off on May 6.
Tom added: “The good news is I can still play music, I can still play guitar and I’ve been doing really well … I’ve just been very inspired by other people who have come out to talk about their health issues on social media, and that sort of thing.
“I think it helps erase some of the stigma, and it raises awareness obviously. And awareness is really important for prevention and for research.
So that’s it I am really excited about the shows, I can’t wait to see everybody.”
Tom also revealed he plans to share more details about living with Parkinson’s disease in another video update.
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