Art Alexakis, frontman of Everclear, has spent the past decade living with relapsing multiple sclerosis while continuing to tour and record. At 63, he recently completed a 43-show run celebrating the 30th anniversary of Sparkle and Fade, a stretch he says has deepened his gratitude and resolve.
His diagnosis came in 2016 after a car accident led to an MRI that revealed lesions on his brain and spine. Neurologists concluded the pattern was consistent with MS, and they believe the condition likely began decades earlier. Alexakis traces symptoms back to his 20s: episodes of severe vertigo, balance and walking difficulties, fatigue, odd skin sensations, and intermittent weakness. Seeing the MRI results was, he says, a relief and a blessing, because it explained years of unexplained symptoms and opened the door to treatment.
Alexakis emphasizes that MS can appear at many ages, not only between 18 and 40. His neurologist, Regina Berkovich, MD, PhD, notes the same: MS does not always follow textbook rules and can present in childhood or later in life. Advances since the 1990s have shifted care from simply managing symptoms to using disease-modifying therapies that can alter long-term outcomes when used appropriately.
His treatment path changed after a bout of COVID in 2021 rendered his earlier medication ineffective. Under Dr. Berkovich’s care, he switched to Tysabri, an intravenous monoclonal antibody, and reports that it has made a marked difference. He sees his neurologist twice a year for checkups and feels reassured by the treatment’s benefits over the past several years. He acknowledges that MS is chronic and progressive, but says the right therapy helps him feel safe and able to keep working.
Beyond medication, Alexakis pursues an active self-care routine. He no longer runs like he used to, so he swims, does physical therapy three times a week, and avoids inflammatory foods when possible. He stays connected to family life, cooks at home, and follows his favorite sports teams through podcasts and broadcasts. He avoids club environments because they are part of his work, and he prefers quiet pastimes that support his well-being.
A major theme in his message is advocacy and persistence. He urges anyone who recognizes similar symptoms in themselves to see a doctor and, if dismissed, to seek a second opinion. Many patients feel disempowered and stop asking questions, he and his neurologist say, so pushing for answers and trying different therapies can be crucial.
Service and sobriety are also central to Alexakis’s life. Nearly 37 years sober, he credits his recovery program and fellowship with keeping him grounded and focused on being of service. Onstage he often acknowledges fans facing illness, disability, or addiction, offering shoutouts to what he calls MS warriors, cancer warriors, and wheelchair warriors. He wants to celebrate people who keep showing up for life despite challenges.
Artistically, he remains active. Everclear plans more touring to mark another anniversary, and the band is in the studio working on a new album. Alexakis says writing has been cathartic and timely, and he is making music without trying to please everyone. He approaches performing and recording with gratitude and the determination to keep moving, even as MS changes how he lives and works.
His story is one of resilience: acknowledging the limitations of a chronic disease while embracing treatment, self-care, community, and purpose. He hopes his openness encourages others to seek care, advocate for themselves, and find ways to keep doing what matters to them.
