Everclear's Art Alexakis reveals his multiple sclerosis diagnosis

Art Alexakis, the founder and frontman of American alternative rock band Everclear, has penned an open letter to his fans, revealing his multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis.

In the letter, published on the band's website, he discussed being diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) three years ago, following a car accident:

"The words Multiple Sclerosis conjure up all sorts of images: helplessness, wheel chairs, pain, misery, and worst of all, hopelessness - and pity in the eyes of my family and friends (you get the picture). I remember later that night my wife Vanessa holding my face in her hands, and telling me “we got this”, with not a shred of pity or fear in her eyes. I knew then that I wasn’t going to go through this alone. My wife is a lot of things - all good, but one thing she isn’t is fake, something we have in common. We don’t do fake in our family. My wife is a bad ass, and she reminded me in that moment, that so am I."

He also explained why he was opening up about his diagnosis at this time:

"One of the reasons I wanted to be more public about my disease is that I have been hearing a lot of people say that I am drinking again or back on drugs because they have seen me look unsteady on stage or around town... To be honest, I have never cared about what people say about me personally - except, that is, for the people that I care about (ie..YOU) and what they think. I wanted you to know the truth, simple as that."

Alexakis also revealed that he he completing work on his first solo album, Sun Songs, which he expects to release early this summer. He is be embarking on his 'Songs and Stories' solo tour of North America in May.