Raymond Meade is an acclaimed musician best known for his contributions to Ocean Colour Scene. In August 2021, he was officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). This disorder, which affects the development of the central nervous system, was a major hurdle for Meade to overcome. Even through all his struggles with his health, he really chased what he loved which was music. Despite the shock of diagnosis and an active summer almost turned slow of aftershocks, Meade wouldn’t accept surrender. His resolve to control his illness and rejoin his fellow performers has been an inspiration across all industries.
When Meade first got the diagnosis, he was actually in the middle of rehearsing for a show. To say that this news hit like a ton of bricks is an understatement. In his initial panic, Jackson turned to the internet for advice on MS, which only heightened his distress. Ensuring a balance of energy exertion and expenditure became a key component to combating his fatigue.
"My neurologist said you need to think when you wake up that you have an allocation of energy tokens and be careful how you use them." – Raymond Meade
Meade had learned to be very good at saving energy over the course of the day. He refers to himself as “an expert napper,” a skill that allows him to participate in evening activities without exhausting himself. His dedication to maintaining a balance in his life is evident as he continues to engage with fans who share personal stories about family members living with MS.
"I'm an expert napper. If I'm doing something in the evening, I lay off in the day to balance the fatigue. It's manageable." – Raymond Meade
Later in 2021, Ocean Colour Scene revealed their first tour in nearly two years. Though the pandemic had thrown live performances into chaos, Meade was thrilled to be a part of this particular celebration. Having been with the band since 2016, Meade refused to allow his diagnosis to be his identity. His emotional performance in Birmingham was a turning point. He consistently demonstrated unshakeable courage, facing opponents who sought to intimidate him into silence.
"I had a stool hidden behind an amp and I thought if I can get through this without sitting down, I'll be doing ok." – Raymond Meade
"In the end I didn't need it. And there was this outpouring of emotion. It was such a terrible time and it was a release to get back to playing live music." – Raymond Meade
The return to live music represented more than a typical homecoming show. It served as a testament to Meade’s dogged determination and as a symbol of his optimistic vision for the future. And fans were ecstatic, often stopping him after venues to tell him how they connected to MS themselves.
Despite the hurdles, Meade released his first new single since his diagnosis, titled "Holy Water," on Alan McGee's new label Creation Youth. In addition to being a professional milestone, the release represented a personal breakthrough for him, reawakening his desire to craft and release music. The partnership with McGee had personal meaning. The collaboration with McGee had personal meaning.
"I want to be an example that it's not the end if you get it. It's manageable. Lean on the MS nurses. You can carry on with your life. You can still be you." – Raymond Meade
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