Legendary singer Frankie Valli has responded to disturbing performance footage circulating on social media, leading some to question whether the iconic singer was a victim of 'elder abuse'. But the singer has laid these theories down, and they are telling People“No one ever forced me to do something I didn't want to do.”
This is the second time in six weeks that Valli has reassured fans that he is performing of his own volition, although the first statement came from his representatives. Since mid-summer, footage of Valli appearing disoriented and unable to lip-sync to his most famous songs has been circulating on social media. On August 13, his reps released a statement assuring that Valli was “fine” following a troubling video of an August 3 concert in California.
On September 30, Valli himself issued a statement People make it clear that you decide to perform and want to perform live for as long as you can. His revelations come amid a new wave of concert footage circulating on TikTok.
@beach.boys.fan But I still love his music #frankievalli #fypシ゚viral #fypppppppppppppppppppppp #fypツ
♬ original sound – Beach boys fan
“I know that a lot has been published about me on the Internet recently, so I wanted to clear the air,” Valli began. “I'm blessed to be 90 years old and still doing what I love. As long as I can and the audience wants to see me, I'll be there, I love what I do and I know we're going to put on a great show because our fans are still going strong, the show is still rocking.”
Valli then tried to explain why he doesn't sing as much in the footage being circulated. Many of the performance clips show Valli barely lip-syncing to recordings of his most iconic songs, with backup singers doing their best to fill in the cracks.
“The sound of the Four Seasons has always been about the fusion of vocals and instruments. We use our 60 years of experience, so we sound like records,” said Valli. “Vocals, I have singers who sing, great arrangements.”
The singer then doubled down and assured fans that no one was forcing him to perform. “I get a chuckle from the comments wondering if anyone [is] forced on stage. No one ever forced me to do something I didn't want to do.”
Valli is currently traveling with the Four Seasons on a tour expected to last until April 2025. His next show is October 11th in Lake Prior, MN.
Amid social media buzz, rocker Lenny Kravitz posted a selfie with Valli during a random trip. “I just ran into the legendary Frankie Valli at the airport. Nothing but respect for you sir,” Kravitz wrote. “Endless hits and still touring at 90. Love!”
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