Beverly Glenn-Copeland Announces Dementia Diagnosis

The 80-year-old artist's upcoming North American live shows will be his last

Beverly Glenn-Copeland has been diagnosed with dementia.

The 80-year-old ambient music artist and composer confirmed the news in an Instagram video, which he appeared in alongside his wife, Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland. His three upcoming live shows in Montréal and New York will be his last, the artist said in the video.

“We want to challenge the mainstream image of this illness, which focuses on loss,” the pair collectively said. “We are actively asking the universe to show us where the life is here.”

Thanking his wife for her support, Glenn-Copeland added: “It’s because of her that I’m still able to join you onstage for this tour, which will be my last.”

Glenn-Copeland’s last studio album, The Ones Ahead, was released by Transgressive in 2023. It followed a period of renewed interest in his work that began following the reissue in 2016 of his 1986 new age ambient album Keyboard Fantasies.

He will also soon appear on the forthcoming TRAИƧA compilation from New York-based not-for-profit label Red Hot. The release aims to celebrate trans artists and people.

The Quietus Digest

Sign up for our free Friday email newsletter.

Support The Quietus

Our journalism is funded by our readers. Become a subscriber today to help champion our writing, plus enjoy bonus essays, podcasts, playlists and music downloads.

Support & Subscribe Today