Wolfgang vocalist Basti Artadi opens up about tumor, facial paralysis

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Wolfgang frontman Sebastian “Basti” Artadi has opened up about why over time, there have been noticeable changes on his face while performing, which he said has led to many “speculations” about his real situation. On his personal Facebook page, Artadi has revealed that this is because of a tumor “in [his] head.” 

Initially reluctant to address the matter publicly, Artadi said, “I didn’t want it to be a distraction from the music while I was performing but as my condition gets worse it appears that it is becoming inevitable […] and I guess its time I address it.”

He said that some people have speculated about what causes one side of his face to appear paralyzed. “Speculation is I got Bell’s Palsy or a stroke, one person even suggested it was because of drugs, I have never and do not take drugs, and the funniest was that I got kulam (cursed),” he said in parentheses.

“In 2009, I was diagnosed with a tumor in my head, this tumor is on the nerves that control the right side of my face which is what is causing the paralysis,” Artadi said.

“Sh*t happens! As a result I had to relearn to sing with a paralyzed mouth and the fatigue that comes with it.”

However, Artadi said that this condition, as doctors told him, may eventually lead to him “not [being] able to talk much less sing,” as “one side of my facial muscles are working more than the other.”

 

“This is why I have decided to do as much as possible in the coming years, singing wise, while I still can,” he added, saying that he’s seeking to undergo a procedure called a “facial sling,” which “could temporarily help my situation.”

Basti appealed for help to fund this procedure, saying that he’s selling shirts with an illustration of his face. “Its just a picture of my face which I thought would be a good symbol for me getting back the lost symmetry, so no its not because I’m full of myself,” he said. 

“I thank God everyday because I’m lucky that this thing still left me with the ability to sing, what would have really sucked is if it took 100% of motion from the get go. So we move on and we do the best we can with what we have. Thanks and I’ll see you around town!”

To help Artadi, look at the following details:

 

In a later tweet, Basti clarified his situation to his followers after some news outlets had reported that the tumor was in his brain: “Guys, I’m not dying! It’s not a brain tumor.”

Guys, I’m not dying! It’s not a brain tumor. Haha unfortunately you’re stuck with me a bit longer.

— Basti Artadi (@bastiartadi73) June 21, 2016

 

He clarified further in another Facebook post: “I do NOT have a brain tumor as what’s being reported in the news. I have a BENIGN facial nerve tumor that affects the movement of my face.”

He also thanked those who supported him and added that he already has plans to help with his situation.

 

Artadi is best known as the frontman of four-piece Filipino rock band Wolfgang. While the band broke up in 2002, they reunited in 2008, according to ABS-CBN News. The current lineup includes Manuel Legarda, Mon Legaspi, and Francis Aquino.

He is set to play the role of St. Jimmy in the Manila production of the musical American Idiot, which is based on Green Day songs and is locally produced by 9Works Theatrical. The show runs from June 24 to 26, July 1 to 3, and 8 to 10. – Rappler.com