Vicky McClure’s ‘life changing’ Our Dementia Choir join The Gleeman in new music video

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The Gleeman alongside the Dementia choir.

The Gleeman filming the music video alongside the Dementia choir.

By Henry Green

Musician The Gleeman has teamed up with Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir in a new music video.

The Gleeman, whose real name is Dean Morris, joined the choir and soap actress Sian Reeves to film a music video for the song ‘You are not alone’ ahead of his upcoming album ‘Something To Say’.

It was shot on Tuesday (October 1) at the Albert Hall in Nottingham.

Dean, whose parents both had dementia, said: “We invited the Dementia choir because of the background of this song.

“My mom lived with Dementia for a very long time and my dad became a carer for her until he was diagnosed with dementia himself.”

He added: “I wrote the song just after my mum passed away as a comfort blanket for myself and it’s a song for anyone whose lost someone.”

The Gleeman (Dean Morris) performed a music video with Vicky McLure's Dementia Choir.
The Gleeman (Dean Morris) recorded a music video with Vicky McLure’s Dementia Choir.

Cornishman Dean released his debut EP in 2022 to widespread critical acclaim. His parents’ experiences with the condition inspired him to take up a musical career in his late 40s.

Our Dementia Choir, founded BAFTA-winning Nottingham actor Vicky, describes music as a ‘medicine’ which can help members cope with the disease.

The choir performs across the country and last July appeared alongside singer Tom Grennan at Splendour Festival at Wollaton Park.

Members of the dementia choir.
Members of the dementia choir. From left, Chris Connell, Mary Millett, Barry Knox-Hewson and Louise Chapman.

At the filming was choir member Barry Knox-Hewson, 73, was diagnosed last year and he described how being part the choir has helped him.

He said: “I’ve seen singers in the group who struggle to speak but when a song comes on they’re straight up and singing.

“It’s great to bring everyone together we can all share our experiences and support each other.”

Louise Chapman, who was diagnosed almost three years ago, said: “For me it’s changed my life because once you get your diagnosis, a lot of times you get some pills and that’s it.”

Actress Sian Reeves also features in the music video.
Actor Sian Reeves also features in the music video.

Actor Sian Reeves, whose aunty has Dementia, also features in the music video.

Sian has appeared in Coronation Street and Emmerdale and also recently released an EP for those living with Dementia.

Sian said: “We want to promote singing for the brain.

“Through singing I got someone to speak to me for the first time in ten years,” she added.

“An hour’s singing in every nursing home is what I would really like to promote.”

The Gleeman’s new album ‘Something to Say’ which highlights the importance of music to those with Dementia, will be released November 1 2024.

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