When Vince Hill took to the stage last month to sing his 1967 hit Edelweiss, his iconic voice was as smooth and unmistakable as ever.But few could have guessed that the legendary singer was struggling under the bright lights at his farewell show earlier this year at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, because of a degenerative eye condition which has been slowly robbing him of his vision.
Ive spent my life on stage but now I can only see the audience sometimes, he admits today.
Lights are a menace for me, shining brightly into my eyes. The audience were so wonderful, absolutely fantastic at least I could hear their appreciation.
But I need people to help me get on and off stage. I should have got an Oscar for getting down those steps. I love it when Im on stage but Ive been doing this for 60 years.
Ive lost that rush of excitement I used to get. It takes so much effort now to get around that I think, maybe its finally time to stop.
It would be a great loss to his devoted fans.
The singer had a string of Top 20 hits during the 1960s becoming record label Columbias most prolific recording artist, producing 14 albums of traditional melodies in nine years.
Edelweiss, from the musical The Sound Of Music, spent 17 weeks at No 2 in the British charts and became a platinum-seller.
A move into television followed, hosting popular BBC shows such as They Sold A Million and The Musical Time Machine.
He has performed regularly ever since.
But a routine eye test eight years ago revealed that Vince, now 85, was suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a debilitating and progressive condition which is the UKs leading cause of blindness.
It occurs when cells in the retina at the back of the eye gradually die off and devastatingly there is no cure.
I started to notice I was struggling to focus, and going a bit cross-eyed, Vince recalls. It was a slow, creeping thing in my right eye, which felt weak and misty.
Id reach out for a cup or glass and close my fingers around it only to realise it was miles away. That started to happen more regularly, and I was struggling to judge distances when driving.
Figures show as many as 1.2 million people in Britain may be suffering from AMD.
Most, like Vince, have the dry form but, when it becomes more advanced, it can turn into wet AMD when abnormal blood vessels leak into the eye.
This can be stabilised with injections, which can slow the progression of the disease.
Vince accepts that he has, to an extent, been lucky. He can still see the faces of his grandchildren now aged 21 and nine if they are close enough.
I still have some vision, although its patchy. Its like looking through a real pea-souper. I cant read and the words swim around the page, he says.
Ill often throw things across the room in frustration. I cant recognise faces and Ive had to give up driving. I cant go out on my own any more as Im a danger to myself and other people.
The one positive thing is that it doesnt affect the rest of my body. I can walk, stand up, all of that.
His eyesight has deteriorated to such an extent that, just five months ago, he was officially registered as partially sighted.
Vince wears glasses with an opaque lens on his worst-seeing right eye to force the left eye to do all the work.
But even the sight in his best eye is like dark, shadowy blobs.
I find it all so aggravating, he sighs. Ill take them off for a break and a glass of wine and end up putting them back on again. If theyre off I see two of everything.
The doctors have said there is nothing they can do, but I dont buy that. I dont want to give up just yet.
The loss of his sight comes on top of several years of heartache for the singer.
His only son, Athol, died suddenly aged 42 of an accidental overdose in 2014, and his beloved wife Annie, whom he married in 1959, died following a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis three years later.
It slowly destroyed Annie, which was hard to watch. Its been three years now, and I still cant believe it.
After Athol died I actually did feel like packing it all in. Then you think, I cant go on like that.
So I got myself back on to the stage. But Im at a point now where it takes a lot of effort to get up there and do it.
Vince has sought support from charity the Macular Society, which has provided telephone counselling.
It has been really helpful just to talk about it, he says.
Cathy Yelf, the chief executive of the Macular Society, said: We must fund much more research until a cure or treatment is found which can stop it in its tracks, so no one else like Vince has to live with this terrible disease.
Its hardly surprising that Vince is reluctant to slow down given the decades he has spent in the spotlight.
He performed with Cilla Black and Tony Christie at venues like the Royal Albert Hall, London Palladium and Sydney Opera House.
But it was featuring on This Is Your Life in 1976 with Eamonn Andrews which remains a highlight. He nearly didnt make it.
Annie told me I was going to sing some songs at an old folks home in the East End, he recalls.
Id been doing some digging that day in my vegetable plot and Annie came out and said, I think you should get a decent jacket on the cars comingany minute.
So I grudgingly got changed. As I was sitting down with a cup of tea, I felt this hand on my shoulder and it was Eamonn. I was so knocked out by it. It was a great moment.
One famous fan was reportedly Princess Margaret.
I always found her very nice and very charming, Vince says. But one evening in the 1970s, he was performing at the Theatre Royal in Windsor, with the Princess in the audience, when there was a blackout.
We decided to do the soliloquy from Carousel, as that just involved me and a piano. Its quite long and dramatic, but it was wonderful in the dark.
We all lined up to meet Princess Margaret afterwards and I expected her to say, you know, Well done, considering the circumstances. Actually, she said, What a long song, wasnt it?
I never forgot that moment.
His only regret is never singing with his idol Tony Bennett.
Todays musicians dont hold as much appeal, although he admits to quite liking British singer George Ezra.
His career isnt over yet. Warner Music is releasing a greatest hits album, Legacy, as a digital download to commemorate his 85th birthday year.
And next month, Vince will appear for one night only as Baron Hardup in Cinderella at the Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon.
Reading the script has been a challenge, but he says proudly hes the only one whos so far learned their lines.
Theyve decided theyre going to put me in a wheelchair, which will be part of the comedy. Its a bit naughty, but it should be fun. After that, who knows? I think Ive had enough.
For his audiences, at least, Vince will always be a sight for sore eyes.
Contact the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111, or macularsociety.org. Legacy is available on CD from vincehill.co.uk, price 5.99. A download comes out later this month.
Go here to read the rest:
Vince Hill: After losing my wife and son, blindness will cost me my career - Express
- Could my glasses be making my eyesight worse? - The Conversation - April 8th, 2024
- Eyeglasses Improve Income as Well as Sight, Study Shows - The New York Times - April 8th, 2024
- John Berger Lost His Eyesight to Cataracts and Learned to See - Hyperallergic - April 8th, 2024
- Eye Health Facts: What You Need to Know About the Eyes - Prevention Magazine - April 8th, 2024
- Reading glasses are good for your eyes and your income : Goats and Soda - NPR - April 8th, 2024
- 'The sight to fight:' Yorktown military members make thousands of glasses for the service - News 3 WTKR Norfolk - April 8th, 2024
- How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Without Damaging Your Eyes - Verywell Health - April 8th, 2024
- Protect Your Eyes While Watching the Solar EclipseExpert Advice from NYU Langone's Dr. Nitish Mehta - NYU Langone Health - April 8th, 2024
- 10 Daily Habits That Will Help You Protect Your Eye Health - CNET - January 25th, 2024
- Undergoing cataract surgery when it's not necessary? Some do it to improve their eyesight, but it's not without risk - The Conversation Indonesia - January 25th, 2024
- Sight Care Reviews - Is It Safe to Use? The Most Important Fact to Know Before Buy! - Kent Reporter - January 25th, 2024
- Apple has big and cartoonish plans for Vision Pro's EyeSight - AppleInsider - January 25th, 2024
- National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness Celebrates 15th Anniversary in 2024 - PR Web - January 25th, 2024
- Understanding Computer Vision Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Practical Solutions - Medriva - January 25th, 2024
- 8 Eye Issues You Should Never Ignore - Right as Rain by UW Medicine - January 9th, 2024
- Digital eye strain is a growing issue as the muscles of the eyes work overtime, warn vision experts - Fox News - January 9th, 2024
- Know the Facts About Glaucoma - MedicineNet - January 9th, 2024
- New Year, New Vision: Top Resolutions For Optimal Eye Health - ABP Live - January 9th, 2024
- Childhood Myopia and Its Impact on Vision Loss: What Causes It? - News18 - January 9th, 2024
- What you see first in optical illusion can reveal a lot about you but youll need 20/20 vision to spot hi... - The Sun - January 9th, 2024
- The Importance of Eye Care: Preventing Vision Impairments and Maintaining Good Eye Health - Medriva - December 30th, 2023
- Six ways to look after your eyes in 2024 - The Conversation - December 30th, 2023
- 6 Essential Ways to Safeguard and Improve Your Vision in 2024 - Medriva - December 30th, 2023
- SightCare Reviews - Obvious Hoax or Safe Pills That Work? Fake Scams to Avoid | Courier-Herald - Enumclaw Courier-Herald - December 30th, 2023
- SightCare Reviews - Honest Customer Warning! Real Eyesight Support or Fake Hype? - Bothell-Kenmore Reporter - December 30th, 2023
- Global Intraocular Lens Market Surges with Innovations in Vision Correction | CAGR of 5.6% - PharmiWeb.com - December 30th, 2023
- Infection of the eye, and how to protect vision - The Hindu - December 30th, 2023
- Optical Illusion Eye Test: Can you find the dog in the street in 7 seconds? - Jagran Josh - December 30th, 2023
- You have 20/20 vision if you can find the hidden chick amongst these ducks - IndiaTimes - December 30th, 2023
- Eye Doc: Look *Here* While You Drive + 8 More Genius Tips to Improve Night Vision Behind The Wheel - Yahoo Life - December 22nd, 2023
- Designer creates inclusive clothing company after losing eyesight - Fox Business - December 22nd, 2023
- What is the state of American eyesight? - USAFacts - December 22nd, 2023
- When temporary vision loss in one eye isn't a sign of stroke - Harvard Health - December 22nd, 2023
- 10 Hacks That Can Naturally Boost Your Eye Health Today - CNET - December 22nd, 2023
- SightCare Reviews (Critical Customer Warning!) Know The Sight Care Facts Before Buy - Ukiah Daily Journal - December 22nd, 2023
- Everyone can spot the building with the hole in it but only those with 20/20 vision can find the giant C... - The US Sun - December 22nd, 2023
- Flashes, shimmers and blind spots: Here's what migraine aura looks like - The Washington Post - December 22nd, 2023
- Doctors Reveal the Snack That Cuts Your Risk of Vision-Clouding Cataracts in Half - Yahoo Life - December 22nd, 2023
- Yoga For Healthy Vision: 5 Extraordinary Yogasanas To Improve Eyesight - Netmeds.com - December 22nd, 2023
- Everyone can spot the teddy bears but you have 20/20 vision if you can see the bee in the bedroom in under... - The US Sun - December 22nd, 2023
- Reindeers blue eyes act as night vision goggles to help them find food in winter - The Guardian - December 22nd, 2023
- 6 Bad Habits That Could Be Damaging Your Eyesight - Money Talks News - December 22nd, 2023
- Reindeer vision may have evolved to spot favorite food in the snowy dark of winter - Phys.org - December 22nd, 2023
- Human eyes: How they work, and their amazing anatomy - BBC Science Focus Magazine - December 22nd, 2023
- Why reindeer eyes shine blue in the winter - The Washington Post - December 22nd, 2023
- Can Everyone Unfocus Their Eyes On Command? - IFLScience - December 22nd, 2023
- You have the eyes of a hunter if you can spot the dogs owner in the picture in 8 seconds! - Jagran Josh - December 22nd, 2023
- Everyone can see the Christmas trees but you could have 20/20 vision if you can spot the star hiding in t... - The US Sun - December 22nd, 2023
- Here's how eye exams can reveal several health conditions beyond your sight - The Record (New Westminster) - December 22nd, 2023
- At Bread for the Citys vision clinic, patients can see clearly now - The Washington Post - December 13th, 2023
- SightCare Reviews - Is Official Website for Sight Care Legit to Try or Scam (2024) | Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - December 13th, 2023
- The Benefits of Donning Prescription Sunglasses for Vision Correction and Protection - Anti Aging News - December 13th, 2023
- Vision Pro training of Apple retail store employees to start soon - BGR - December 13th, 2023
- 6 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Healthy Eyes - CNET - December 13th, 2023
- Eye Health: How to Protect Eyes From Digital Strain, Vision Loss and More? 5 Tips - India.com - December 13th, 2023
- How to watch the solar eclipse without damaging your eyesight - WATE 6 On Your Side - October 16th, 2023
- Can Optical Illusions Improve Vision? Know The Best One That Benefits Eyesight - Times Now - May 17th, 2023
- Motus GI Announces Executive Leadership Restructuring and Additional Cost Saving Initiatives to Support Near-Term Milestones - April 15th, 2023
- Revolution Medicines to Participate in 22nd Annual Needham Healthcare Conference - April 15th, 2023
- GENFIT Reports Full-Year 2022 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update - April 15th, 2023
- Kane Biotech to Release Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results on April 20, 2023 – Conference Call to Follow - April 15th, 2023
- Biomea Fusion To Present Two Preclinical Posters at the 114th AACR Annual Meeting - April 15th, 2023
- Cabaletta Bio to Present at the 22nd Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference - April 15th, 2023
- Syneos Health Schedules First Quarter 2023 Earnings Call for Wednesday, May 10th, 2023 - April 15th, 2023
- Oncternal Therapeutics Participating in Oppenheimer & Co.’s Virtual Fireside Chat: Discussion of ROR1 CAR T Cell Therapy in Hematological... - April 15th, 2023
- Travere Therapeutics Reports Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) - April 15th, 2023
- Alvotech Provides Regulatory Update on AVT02 Biologics License Application - April 15th, 2023
- Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. to Report Full Year 2022 Financial Results and Operational Progress on April 19, 2023 - April 15th, 2023
- Additional Future Royalty Revenue Stream for Nicox from 2024 following New Drug Application Submission for ZERVIATE in China - April 15th, 2023
- Ultimovacs ASA – Disclosure of voting rights of Annual General Meeting - April 15th, 2023
- QIAGEN showcases latest technologies to advance cancer research at AACR Annual Meeting 2023 - April 15th, 2023
- ITM lädt zu Symposium und Messestand auf der Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin in Leipzig ein - April 15th, 2023
- International Carrot Day: From healthy eyesight to weight loss - 5 wonderful benefits of carrot - Zee Business - April 7th, 2023
- How the Human Eye Works | Cornea Layers/Role | Light Rays - NKCF.org - December 11th, 2022
- Eye Emergencies: Types, Symptoms, and Prevention - Healthline - November 25th, 2022
- The criteria for certification | RNIB - November 25th, 2022
- Foresight: Eye-Net Successfully Showcases its Advanced Solution to Leading OEMs and Tier One Suppliers in Japan - Marketscreener.com - November 25th, 2022
- Can you see me now? Average person begins worrying about their vision at age 39 - Study Finds - September 29th, 2022
- Contact lens wearers at higher risk of rare eye infection are you caring for your lenses the right way? - News24 - September 29th, 2022
- A man who popped a champagne cork into his eye says it felt like being poked 'times a thousand.' His vision was saved after months of treatment but it... - September 29th, 2022