Bobby Womack Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Bobby Womack, who made a triumphant return with last year’s ‘The Bravest Man In The Universe’ has revealed that he’s suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

“The doctor says there are signs of Alzheimer’s, it’s not bad yet but will get worse.’ he told BBC 6 Music, ‘How can I not remember songs I wrote? It’s frustrating.’

‘The most embarrassing thing was when we were getting ready to announce Damon and I can’t remember his last name,’ he continued, ‘That’s so embarrassing.’

The name-forgetting-incident in question apparently took place at last year’s Q Awards, when Womack referred to Damon Albarn as ‘Damon Osbourne’. At the time, Albarn laughed it off, saying that it keeps; ‘my feet firmly on the ground. He picks a new name every night… At Madison Square Garden he called me Damon Arsebarn. That was the worst!’

Albarn has played a pivotal role in revitalising interest in Womack; as well as producing his record, he also procured the soul singer’s services on the last two Gorillaz album, along with taking him out on tour with them.

However, Womack’s health has been an issue for a while, with the artist having beaten pneumonia twice, suffering with collapsed lungs, and having had surgery for prostate and colon cancer in recent years.

Womack first began his career in the 60s, signing with his brothers to Sam Cooke’s label, SAR Records, before causing controversy by marrying Cooke’s widow just months after his death. Having famously wrote the Rolling Stones’ first number one, ‘It’s All Over Now’, he was initially angry at the Londoners’ cover until he saw the first royalty cheque after it became a hit. ‘The Bravest Man In The Universe’ was his first record in 18 years.