Legendary singer Frankie Valli has responded to worrisome performance footage that has spread on social media, leading some to question whether the iconic singer was a victim of "elder abuse." But the singer put those theories to bed, telling People, “Nobody has ever made me do anything I didn’t want to do."
This is the second time in six weeks that Valli has reassured fans he’s performing of his own volition, though the first statement came from his representatives. Since the middle of summer, footage of Valli appearing confused and unable to lip sync to his most famous songs has proliferated across social media. On Aug. 13, his reps issued a statement assuring that Valli was “just fine” following worrisome video from an Aug. 3 concert in California.
On Sept. 30, Valli himself issued a statement to People clarifying that he is making the choice to perform, and intends to appear live so long as he is able. His remarks come amidst a fresh wave of concert footage making the rounds on TikTok.
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"I know there has been a lot of stuff on the internet about me lately, so I wanted to clear the air,” Valli began. “I am blessed to be 90 years old and still be doing what I love to do, and as long as I am able, and audiences want to come see me, I am going to be out there performing. I absolutely love what I do. And I know we put on a great show because our fans are still coming out in force and the show still rocks."
Valli then attempted to explain why he doesn’t appear to be doing that much singing in the circulated footage. Many performance clips show Valli barely able to lip sync to recordings of his most iconic songs while backup singers do their best to fill the cracks.
“The Four Seasons sound was always about layering vocals and instruments. We use our 60 years of experience so we sound like the records,” Valli said. “I sing, I have singers who sing, great arrangements.”
The singer then doubled down, assuring fans that no one is making him perform. “I get a chuckle from the comments wondering if someone [is] forcing me to go on stage. Nobody has ever made me do anything I didn’t want to do."
Valli is currently traveling with the Four Seasons on a tour expected to run through April 2025. His next performance is scheduled for Oct. 11 in Lake Prior, MN.
Amidst the social media furor, rocker Lenny Kravitz posted a selfie with Valli during a chance travel encounter. “Just ran into the legendary Frankie Valli at the airport. Nothing but respect for you, sir,” Kravitz wrote. “Endless hits and still touring at 90 years young. Love!”
