Art Alexakis, the singer and frontman of Grammy‑nominated rock band Everclear, recently finished a 43‑show run celebrating the 30th anniversary of Sparkle and Fade. The milestone had extra weight for the 63‑year‑old: he’s been living with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) for about a decade.
Alexakis was diagnosed in 2016 after a car accident led to an MRI. Scans showed lesions on his brain and spine, and doctors told him the damage suggested the disease had likely been present for decades. He now recalls symptoms dating to his 20s — vertigo, balance and walking issues, fatigue, strange skin sensations, and occasional arm weakness.
“It was a blessing to me to get that diagnosis because a lot of people go through life and never get diagnosed correctly,” Alexakis told Healthline. Receiving a diagnosis changed his approach: it pushed him to stay active and grateful. He says touring, navigating airports and keeping up his music career have helped his mental outlook.
His neurologist, Regina Berkovich, MD, PhD, emphasizes that MS can appear at almost any age. “We can see it in childhood and as late as senior age,” she said, noting MS “doesn’t follow any rules.” Treatment has shifted in recent years from purely symptom management to a range of disease‑modifying therapies that, when matched to the patient, can alter long‑term outcomes.
Alexakis ultimately found success with Tysabri, a monoclonal antibody administered by intravenous infusion. An earlier medication helped for a time but appeared to stop working after he contracted COVID‑19 in 2021. Since switching to Tysabri, he says the disease has not progressed; he sees his neurologist twice a year.
“Not every medication works the same for different people or even for the same person during different periods of life,” Berkovich said. She hopes his openness will prompt others to ask questions, advocate for themselves, and try different therapies until they find what helps.
To support his health, Alexakis swims instead of running, attends physical therapy three times a week, avoids inflammatory foods when possible, and stays on his medication. He also finds comfort in family, cooking, and listening to podcasts — especially about the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Dodgers, whose recent seasons boosted his spirits.
He urges people who notice similar symptoms to keep pushing for answers. “If your doctor tells you it’s in your head, go to a different doctor,” he said.
Beyond his own care, Alexakis aims to give back. He credits nearly 37 years of sobriety, a spiritual program, and fellowship with helping him remain service‑oriented. Onstage he acknowledges “MS warriors, cancer warriors, wheelchair warriors,” celebrating audience members’ persistence.
Musically, Everclear plans a tour next year for the 30th anniversary of So Much for the Afterglow, and the band is in the studio working on a new album. Alexakis describes songwriting as catharsis and says the upcoming record will reflect these times.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
