I’LL NEVER PERFORM AGAIN
Connolly admits Parkinson’s has taken its toll
BILLY Connolly has hung up his big banana boots for good because Parkinson’s disease makes his brain “work differently”.
The Big Yin revealed: “You should know when you’re finished, and I’m finished with stand-up.”
SIR Billy Connolly last night opened his heart on his battle with Parkinson’s as he admitted he will never take to the stage again.
The Scots comedy legend previously hinted at a one-off gig having said he was quitting stand-up in 2018.
But the 77-year-old revealed that won’t now happen, saying: “The Parkinson’s has made my brain work differently and you need a good brain for comedy.” Speaking at an exhibition of his artwork in London, the Big Yin added: “You should know when you’re finished, and I’m finished with stand-up.
“It was lovely and it was lovely being good at it. It was the first thing I was ever good at.”
Last October, the Glaswegian revealed he is still “quite happy” taking his medicine and “getting along with it”, adding that the disorder “makes him drool”.
And he said defiantly last night: “I don’t think you should let Parkinson’s define you.
“I get upset because certain things go wrong and your brain goes adrift and it affects your body.
“You walk like a drunk man sometimes and you’re frightened you’ll be judged because of it.” Billy took a swipe at the Prime Minister and claimed people should listen to comedians and not politicians.
He added: “Anybody who listens to Boris Johnson needs professional help. He’s a big silly toff.
“Britain has been listening to big silly toffs for years. It’s time they listened to themselves and got on with it.”