Nana Wu
Emily Saliers, one half of the iconic folk-rock duo Indigo Girls, has candidly disclosed that she is grappling with two incurable medical conditions, cervical dystonia and essential tremor, which are set to significantly alter her vocal performance on the band’s eagerly anticipated upcoming tour. The announcement, shared by Saliers herself in a video posted to the Indigo Girls’ official Instagram account on Saturday, April 18, has elicited an immediate and overwhelming wave of support from peers, industry figures, and their deeply loyal global fanbase, all ahead of the tour’s kickoff.
Saliers, alongside her longtime musical partner Amy Ray, addressed the public with remarkable transparency, explaining that while she has been aware of these diagnoses "for a while," the conditions are inherently progressive, "getting incrementally worse over time." The video, recorded during tour rehearsals in Atlanta, served as a crucial platform for Saliers to be "completely forthcoming" about the health challenges she faces, acknowledging that many fans may have already observed changes in her voice.
The two neurological movement disorders she described are cervical dystonia with torticollis and essential tremor. Saliers elaborated on the specific manifestations of each condition and their direct impact on her ability to sing. Cervical dystonia, a form of dystonia that affects the neck muscles, causes involuntary contractions, leading her head to twist and tilt to the right. "Because of the cervical dystonia, my head twists to the right and is misaligned. It can cause shaking of the head. It’s impossible for me to hold my head centrally without shaking, things like that. So structurally, obviously, that is problematic for this whole throat area," Saliers explained, highlighting the physical impediments to maintaining proper vocal posture and control.
Even more challenging for her, Saliers noted, is the essential tremor. This nervous system disorder is characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking, and in Saliers’ case, it profoundly impacts her vocal apparatus. "The essential tremor causes involuntary shakes or movement, and it affects all the parts of my singing apparatus, the larynx, the pharyngeal muscles, my jaw and my diaphragm from which I get all the air for singing," she detailed. The cumulative effect of these tremors means she is "unable to make the connections muscularly and structurally because of the essential tremor." A particularly poignant aspect for Saliers is the emergence of a "horrible vibrato that I never used to have. I am completely physically unable to hold a straight tone the way I used to." This loss is especially significant for the Indigo Girls’ signature sound, as Saliers emphasized, "What you, our community, have come to, I think, appreciate and love about some of our harmonies is the way we can hold long straight tones together. So I want to give you a heads up about that, in full transparency."
Cervical dystonia, also known as spasmodic torticollis, is a rare condition affecting an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 people in the United States, often emerging between ages 40 and 60. While its exact cause is unknown, it involves abnormal brain signals that cause sustained muscle contractions in the neck, leading to painful and awkward head postures. Essential tremor, by contrast, is far more common, affecting an estimated 10 million Americans, making it one of the most prevalent neurological disorders. It often manifests as rhythmic tremors during voluntary movements and can worsen with age. Both conditions are chronic and progressive, with no definitive cure, focusing treatment on symptom management.
The Indigo Girls, comprising Emily Saliers and Amy Ray, have carved out an indelible niche in contemporary music since their formation in the mid-1980s. Renowned for their intricate, often haunting harmonies, socially conscious lyrics, and unwavering activism, they became torchbearers of the folk-rock revival. Their self-titled 1989 album earned them a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Recording in 1990, catapulting them into mainstream recognition. Throughout their illustrious career, albums like Swamp Ophelia (1994) and Shaming of the Sun (1997) reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200, cementing their commercial success. Furthermore, they have consistently performed strongly on the Americana/Folk Albums chart, with five albums reaching the top 5, underscoring their enduring relevance in the genre. Their music has always been more than entertainment; it has been a rallying cry for environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and various human rights causes, fostering a deeply committed and activist-oriented fanbase that views the duo as more than just musicians, but as authentic voices for change. The distinctive blend of Saliers’ often more melodic, contemplative vocal style and Ray’s raw, powerful delivery, underpinned by their seamless harmonic interplay, has been a cornerstone of their appeal.
As the Indigo Girls prepare to launch their U.S. tour this week, commencing in Athens, Ohio, on Friday, April 24, and extending through mid-December, Saliers’ announcement provides crucial context for fans. Despite the challenges, Saliers outlined a proactive treatment regimen aimed at mitigating her symptoms. This comprehensive plan includes therapeutic massage, physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and regular Botox injections in her neck and shoulders. She is also working diligently with a specialized vocal coach who possesses expertise in assisting singers diagnosed with movement disorders.
"Unfortunately there’s no cure for these, so the honest fact is that my voice will not be what it was," Saliers stated with a poignant honesty. "That’s really hard for me." Despite the personal difficulty, she highlighted the unwavering support from Amy Ray, emphasizing their joint commitment to delivering the best possible performance for their audiences. "Amy’s been super supportive, and we want you to know that as we get ready for these shows, we are doing everything we can to make the songs sound as good as they can possibly sound or ever sound, which includes all the modern digital tools that front-of-house engineers use to help singers sound better." This commitment signifies a blend of artistic integrity and pragmatic adaptation, leveraging contemporary sound engineering to support Saliers’ vocal efforts.
Saliers, at 62, also reflected on the broader implications of her health journey, contextualizing it within the natural process of aging. "I hate that I’m only 62 and it’s happened to me, but we are both aging. People age. We are trying to look at this organically as a process of our own aging." This perspective resonates with many artists and fans, opening a dialogue about the physical realities of sustained performance careers and the grace with which artists navigate these changes.
The immediate aftermath of the announcement saw an outpouring of solidarity that underscored the profound connection the Indigo Girls share with their community. Amy Ray’s steadfast support within the band was echoed loudly by industry peers and legions of fans across social media platforms. Country music artist Chely Wright captured a widely held sentiment, commenting, "You are the definition of authenticity, courage and grace."
Perhaps one of the most powerful endorsements came from Grammy-winning artist Brandi Carlile, a self-professed lifelong fan who has publicly cited the Indigo Girls as a monumental influence on her own musical journey. Carlile, who notably covered their song "Cannonball" on her 2017 album Cover Stories, reshared the Indigo Girls’ video update on her personal Instagram account, accompanying it with a deeply moving message. "This is why these two have been my heroes and the only reason I ever picked up a guitar. Being an @indigogirls fan is a life-long privilege," Carlile wrote. She articulated a profound understanding of the Indigo Girls’ fanbase, noting, "Indigo Girls fans already have an evolved perspective on aging and a deeper understanding of how badass vulnerability really is. This is because of the music they have given us. Wisdom breeds wisdom." Carlile concluded with a powerful call to action that resonated deeply: "To say we have Emily’s back is the understatement of the century. If you love to sing, Emily, sing. We will be there singing with you. We are the luckiest fans in the world – we know our verses, and we know the words to every song. Let’s sing them back at the Indigo Girls louder than ever." This message beautifully encapsulates the symbiotic relationship between the band and their audience, where loyalty transcends physical limitations.
Saliers’ candid disclosure is not merely a personal health update; it’s a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about artists’ vulnerability, aging, and the enduring power of music. In an era where authenticity is increasingly valued, her decision to openly share her challenges reinforces the deep trust and respect that has characterized the Indigo Girls’ relationship with their audience for decades. It also highlights the growing importance of social media as a direct channel for artists to communicate sensitive news, fostering immediate community and support.
The implications for the upcoming tour, while acknowledging vocal adjustments, also underscore the resilience of artists. The Indigo Girls’ performances have always been about more than just perfect pitch; they are about raw emotion, powerful storytelling, and the collective experience of shared humanity. Fans, as demonstrated by Carlile’s powerful statement, are ready to embrace a new chapter, valuing the presence and message of the artists over any perceived technical shortcomings. This moment serves as a testament to the transformative power of art and the unwavering bond between artists and the communities they inspire, proving that the spirit of the music can transcend physical challenges. As the Indigo Girls embark on their tour, their journey will be watched not just as a series of concerts, but as an affirmation of courage, community, and the timeless appeal of their artistry.
