Does Dan have...

[TheArtistDanSungAbout]

some sort of disease, like MD (muscular distrophy) or Parkinson's?  I saw him at the Henry Fonda Theatre and he was shaking uncontrollably.. I don't know if he has some sort of disease if it's the medication or what... please respond with any helpful information!

[Rusted Square]

I'm pretty sure it is just from the meds but I could be wrong.I hope he don't have and disease!

[Henry Long]

Meds.
I've seen a half dozen people, of different ages, on the same or very similiar combinations of pharmaceuticals as Dan, and they all have anything from hand tremors to outright shaking which resembles palsy. Not sure what effect this has on his drawing abilities. His shaking may even go away or relax when he is doing something more meditative (drawing) and less stressful (performing in front of an audience).
I really feel for him. It seems to have gotten much worse of late.

[Rob Wheeler]

Hi guys. I would guess it is a medication thing, I've read he had similar problems before which prevented him playing instruments on the "Fun" album. On the day of the Union Chapel shoot I observed that Daniel was able to stay perfectly still when not engaged in any verbal of other activity. There was no shaking when he had his guitar in his hands either.

Above all, he appeared to be in very good spirits and he performed very well. I guess it is one of those things that are constantly under review with his doctor, but maybe they have reached a compromise between physical side effects and his emotional balance.

[little_to_the_left]

Yeah, i noticed that his shaking subsided when he began playing guitar or piano. Or even when he was just standing there. I think his meds are whats going on there. Its like his mind is saying "you should be playing right now, while youre singing."

I agree with his mind but disagree with it moving him to shake involuntarily.

[Rusted Square]

I'm glad he don't have any disease even though it still sucks he shakes at times.

[notdaniel]

Meds.
hand tremors to outright shaking which resembles palsy.
 It seems to have gotten much worse of late.

I've noticed it on a couple of recent video clips and maybe once in person. Around ten years ago, it was so constant that you could see that people in his crowds felt guilty, thinking they were forcing him to play against his will. I don't think it has gotten "much worse of late", though it has been occasionally evident. I certainly hope it doesn't get worse, but to tell the truth it bothers people around him more than it actually bothers Dan himself, as far as I can tell. (I have severe RLS, which you can't ignore, whereas palsy isn't as actively annoying to the person who has it, as far as I can tell.)

  - notdan

[Disfranchise]

lithium does that and i guess that's what daniel johnston is taking to treat his bi-polat disorder. And wasn't an overdose of lithium the reason he was hospitalized last year?

[notdaniel]

And wasn't an overdose of lithium the reason he was hospitalized last year?

I wouldn't say "overdose" - I believe that calling it a "buildup" of lithium would be more accurate.

  - notdan

[Disfranchise]

well yes overdose has a negative sound to it and it wasn't an overdose like that i'm sure

[dk_3712]

It's called common courtesy to not talk about these kind of things.....what is everybody 14 years old that posts on this board...grow up.....it's just  pathetic that people gossip about other people mishaps or problems.....just concentrate on how great the music is.....or is that not what matters to most people....only Daniel is allowed to talk about those kind of things, your not supposed to bring it up...if he mentions it in a CONVERSATION TO YOU (not seeing it in print somewhere), then it's ok to bring it up......I feel that for this subject I have to play "teacher" about the unwritten codes in life....are we clear....or do you guys want to play immature and write indignant responses on here about how it's a free world and all that other stuff that is hilariously unintelligent and cheap.....FOCUS on the music.....or is this how intelligent and sensitive his audiences are

Doug Knight
dk_3712@yahoo.com
www.dougknight.net
www.myspace.com/june251980

[dk_3712]

allright....I've calmed down.......some things just make me upset........still I don't think that people should be talking about it........enough venting......wind thru the trees, ships on the seas

Doug

[Henry Long]

dk-3712-
I understand your passions on this subject, but let me assure you, no ill intentions are meant here.

Daniel's life story has been pretty transparent, out in the open, for all to see and hear. He himself and his family members encourage this open discussion. I mean, look at "The Devil and Daniel Johnston" for example. Did that offend you? Pretty open testimony about all kinds of personal business there, for the whole world to see.

I know many people who, upon seeing the film, or reading his story in print, or even from joining in conversation on this very forum, respond with their own personal testimony's concerning mental illness and mental health issues. Sometimes, it's a family member or friend. Sometimes, it's themselves. It's all about being open and as honest as can be, while still maintaining proper respects and boundaries.

In other words, it IS okay to talk about "these things."

I think a lot of misunderstandings and prejudices can arise by "things...you're not supposed to bring it up." It is not gossip or malicious rumor. It is not sensationalism or some maladroit attempt at being clever or provocative. It IS a group of long time supporters and fans who truly care deeply for Mr. Johnston and his family. Any information given in that context (if politely asked for) is justified. If you look back through these posts (or any others for that matter) there is no disrespect. Quite the opposite.

As a moderator, I do not feel any of those "proper respects or boundaries" have been compromised by this discussion, and I support further comment from anyone who has a sincere desire to know about Daniel's health and well being. It all comes from a place of love.

By the way, dk-3712, the myspace page you set up for Daniel's appearance at the 40 Watt Club is pretty cool. http://www.myspace.com/danieljohnstonatthe40watt

[dk_3712]

Good point......my feathers got all ruffled for some reason....just something about talking about flaws....at least that one.....oh well.......


Doug

[gmonk]

Meds.
I've seen a half dozen people, of different ages, on the same or very similiar combinations of pharmaceuticals as Dan, and they all have anything from hand tremors to outright shaking which resembles palsy. Not sure what effect this has on his drawing abilities. His shaking may even go away or relax when he is doing something more meditative (drawing) and less stressful (performing in front of an audience).
I really feel for him. It seems to have gotten much worse of late.

this youtube clip shows shaking doesnt have any real noticeable effect on his art, as far as i can tell. and iv seen him singing while shaking and he sounds his usual, beautiful self!