James Graham is frontman and singer of Scottish band The Twilight Sad. We are delighted that James is now an ambassador for the charity. James has lived experience of dementia, as his mother lived with dementia for seven years, being supported by James and his family. The Twilight Sad have supported Playlist for Life by raising awareness and funds at their concerts and events. They have helped spread the word to fans on social media and also performed at a special concert to celebrate 10 years of the charity.
Playlist for Life has been a light within a lot of darkness in my life during my mum’s illness and after she passed away. Knowing that the thing (music) that has saved me over the years, given me so much, directed my life to where it is today….could be something that helps people during extremely hard times with a disease that has affected so many families is what makes this charity so special to me and so many other people.
The science is there, the research is there, knowing there’s a chance of giving families a glimmer of light amongst a lot of sadness and darkness is a beautiful thing. To be able to unlock memories of special times together, shows the power that music can have in people’s lives. ”
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John
Since I can remember my mum loved Elton John. She would travel up & down the country to see him when he did his tours of small Scottish stadiums (Falkirk, Inverness, Aberdeen). I went with her to see him at the SECC in Glasgow and we had a great night together.
Red Eyes – The War On Drugs / Seasons – Future Islands
I played Primavera in Barcelona for the first time over 10 years ago. My mum and dad both came to the festival and had one of the best weekends of their lives. They sat having lunch watching bands one afternoon and The War on Drugs & Future Islands were my mums favourites. I could tell as she was always playing them in her car when we got home.
It’s Christmas so We’ll Stop – Frightened Rabbit
My mum and dad actually feature on this song. They are in the choir in the recording. My parents loved watching Frightened Rabbit in the early years of the band when we’d tour together. They’ve seen them play all over America and even went to a TV appearance on one of the late shows. They loved that experience.
Paint It Black – The Rolling Stones
Lesley loved The Rolling Stones when she was growing up but her parents didn’t allow her to listen to them. But she did.
Pictures of You – The Cure
My mum loved watching us support The Cure. It was an experience none of us ever thought could or would happen. They got to see us & them play at some of the most iconic venues in the world. I’ll always be grateful to Robert for giving my family those moments together.
Freedom – QFX / Children – Robert Miles
My mum loved techno/dance music. So many times she picked me up from the Croy Train station with these songs blaring out her VW Golf speakers.
You’re So Vain – Carly Simon
I just always remember my mum loving this song.
Your Song – Elton John
My mum loved this song. I sang it for her at a school concert in one of my last years at High School.
Create a playlist for yourself or a loved one living with dementia today.
You can find free resources to get started here. Or try our playlist maker for ideas on songs to include.
