Frankie Valli is speaking out in defense of his health, after videos of the 90-year-old singer looking weak and confused on stage went viral on social media platforms such as TikTok.
The videos sparked concern among fans that the Four Seasons star was forced to perform against his will, and some accused his team of elder abuse.
In a joint statement with the peopleVale said he “wanted to clear the air” because “I know there’s been a lot of stuff about me on the internet lately.
He continued: “I’m lucky that I’m 90 years old and still doing what I love to do, and as long as I’m able to do that, and the audience wants to come and see me, I’ll be there as I always have.” “I absolutely love what I do. I know we put on a great show because our fans still come out strong and the show is still great.
How do we do the show?! “The Four Seasons sound has always been about layers of vocals and instruments,” he added. “We use our 60 years of experience to sound like records. I sing, I have singers singing, great arrangements…everything. I laughed at the comments and wondered if someone was forcing me to get on stage. No one forced me to do anything I didn’t want to do.”
The singer, who is currently on tour with the Four Seasons, concluded: “I plan to perform as long as I can, bringing the amazing Four Seasons sound. Like that line in Jersey Boys, ‘I’m like that rabbit on the TV, who keeps going and going and going. Chasing the music.’ “
Internet chatter began after videos posted online showed Valli appearing to forget some lyrics while performing Bye, Bye, Baby (Baby, Goodbye) and appearing behind in the choreography during December 1963 (Oh What a Night). Vale, who turned 90 in May, is scheduled to tour until April 2025.
The TikTok controversy comes four months after the singer’s restraining order against his son Francesco, 36, was extended to three years. A Los Angeles judge signed an order in April prohibiting Francesco from contacting or coming within 100 yards of the singer or his other son, Emilio.
In court documents, Emilio said he and Valle feared for their safety after Francesco tried to break into their father’s property. While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, Francisco “repeatedly physically threatened to harm or kill both Valle and Emilio,” threats that were “part of a pattern over the past several months.”
Vallée married former CBS marketing executive Jackie Jacobs, 61, in Las Vegas in June 2023.
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