Gina Heslop
Frankie Valli, the iconic singer best known as the frontman of The Four Seasons, has been a beloved figure in the music industry for over six decades. At 90 years old, he continues to perform and entertain audiences around the world. However, recent events have caused some concern among his fans about his health and ability to continue performing at such a high level.
A video of Valli’s performance on August 3 in Saratoga near San Jose went viral, raising eyebrows among his fans. In the video, Valli appears frail and seems to be struggling to keep up with the music, relying on lip-syncing to get through the performance. Despite this, the audience showed him overwhelming support, applauding his effort and the legacy he continues to uphold.
Following the concerns sparked by the video, Valli’s representative spoke to The New York Post on August 13, reassuring fans that Valli is doing well. According to the representative, Valli is thrilled to still be performing and is enjoying the positive reception from audiences who continue to fill venues to see him live. This statement seemed to ease some of the worry, as it emphasized Valli’s enduring passion for performing, even as he faces the challenges of aging.
This isn’t the first time that Valli has faced accusations of lip-syncing during performances, but he remains steadfast in his commitment to his music and his fans. The Four Seasons, the group that brought Valli to fame, is currently on their farewell tour, aptly named “The Last Encore.” This tour is scheduled to run until April 2025, giving fans a final opportunity to see the legendary group perform live.
Valli’s musical journey began in the early 1950s when he joined various bands, but his big break came in 1960 when he formed The Four Seasons with Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi. The group’s first major hit, “Sherry,” topped the charts in 1962, quickly followed by other classics like “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Rag Doll.” These hits not only established The Four Seasons as one of the leading groups of the time but also solidified Valli’s place in music history.
In addition to his success with The Four Seasons, Valli also pursued a solo career, achieving significant success with songs like “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “My Eyes Adored You,” and the theme song from the movie “Grease.” These songs demonstrated Valli’s versatility as a performer and contributed to his status as a music legend.
Valli’s influence goes beyond his music. The story of The Four Seasons became the inspiration for the Broadway musical “Jersey Boys,” which premiered in 2005. The musical, which chronicles the rise of the group from humble beginnings, was a critical and commercial success, resonating with audiences around the world. In 2014, the story was adapted into a film directed by Clint Eastwood, further cementing Valli’s legacy in popular culture.
Despite his age and the recent concerns about his health, Frankie Valli continues to perform with the same passion and dedication that have defined his career. As he continues to tour and share his music with the world, Valli remains an inspiration, showing that age is just a number when it comes to doing what you love. The music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons lives on, cherished by fans old and new.
