Tony Christie is releasing a brand new charity single dedicated to carers just months after he revealed his dementia diagnosis. Christie named Anthony Fitzgerald is an English musician and singer best known for recording “Amarillo”, a double UK chart success.
The 79-year-old, who is best known for his hits, including “Amarillo”, will record a new version of Andrew Gold’s 1978 hit “Thank You For Being a Friend” in support of Music for Dementia’s Thank You Day 2023, which will take place this summer.
The singer, who will celebrate his 80th birthday on April 25, is still performing despite his diagnosis, with a full UK tour, two albums and a trip to Nashville on the horizon.
While announcing the update through his official Facebook account, Tony Christie said, “It’s official, I’m recording ‘Thank You for Being a Friend’, which is originally sung by Andrew Gold for #ThankYouDay on July 2! Some of you may have heard the big announcement on BBC Breakfast this morning, and I couldn’t be more delighted to be bringing out such a wonderful song. Save the date and join the national sing-a-long to say a great big thank you.”
Christie said that when Music for Dementia asked him to sing Thank You for Being a Friend by his old friend Andrew Gold, he felt like the stars were aligning.
“We will be singing ‘Thank You for Being a Friend’ with Music for Dementia and Together on #ThankYouDay Sunday, July 2 to celebrate as well as thank #carers across the UK who care for those living with #dementia,” he added.
Since the last two years, the day has brought more than 15 million people together as families, friends and neighbours to strengthen the bonds that make kinder, more connected communities. This year Music for Dementia is leading the charge to get communities connecting through music on July 2, 2023.
