Drummer forced to pack in by hearing problems
WET Wet Wet star Tommy Cunningham has quit the band after 40 years after being struck by a serious hearing problem.
Drummer Tommy posted a message on the group’s Facebook page saying he is “hanging up my sticks” after suffering from tinnitus since 2008.
Tommy, 57, said: “I knew back then that I was doing some irreparable damage to my hearing but I had believed that I had it under control.
“During the last two years of lockdown it has become increasingly clear to me that over time my tinnitus has increased in intensity to the point where I now have constant loud ringing in my ears, which affects almost every wakened moment.
“Due to this I have come to the very difficult decision where if I want to retain any hearing at all in the future then I must hang up my drumsticks and stop performing live shows.
“I will miss performing live but I just cannot continue playing drums on stage”. He added: “I must add a huge heartfelt thank you to all the people who have supported myself and
Wet Wet Wet over the years. I have always felt incredibly lucky and privileged to have performed for you.”
Keyboard player Neil Mitchell, 56, also dropped the bombshell this week that he is leaving the band at the same time as Tommy.
He said: “I feel it’s a good time for me to exit stage left. Big thanks to those past and present for all you have done for the band.”
Fans sent messages. One said: “The Wets have done Scotland proud and you’re a huge part of that.”
Another added: “Very sad news. Thank you for the music.”
Marti Pellow formed Wet Wet Wet with Cunningham, Mitchell and Graeme Clark in 1982. Marti left in 2017 and was replaced by Liberty X’s Kevin Simm.
The remaining members – Graeme, Kevin and Graeme Duffin – said: “We completely respect both Tommy and Neil’s decision to take time out and totally agree that when it comes to the health, safety and welfare of people then you can’t take any chances.
“We welcome Simon Lea to the drums and Matt Carter to the keys for our forthcoming shows.”