Two Years Ago, The Lead Singer for the Famed Country Music Band Alabama Began Suffering Cluster Migraines and Headaches
As the most successful band in country music history, Alabama has amassed more than 40 #1 hits and sold more 75 million albums. But in August 2019, the band had to cancel the second half of its 50th Anniversary Tour when lead singer Randy Owen began experiencing severe vertigo and cluster migraine headaches. My Hometown Health recently talked with Randy from his home at the base of Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama to discuss his recent health struggles and his hopeful return to the road.
When did you realize you had a medical issue?
The vertigo came first. I was doing my usual stretches one morning when I suddenly became totally disoriented. It felt like I was losing all sense of where I was, like I was dying. I could still see a bit, but I couldn’t move or stand up. I’d lost all control of my body. I told my wife that I loved her because I thought that was the end. Since then, I’ve had other episodes of dizziness but never anything like that. It was a horrible feeling.
What about the headaches?
The headaches come and go. The pain moves around. One side of my head will hurt and the next day, it’s the other side. The pain can be in my eyes, my forehead or the back of my head. It’s excruciating—much, much worse than a normal headache. One time, it was so bad, I thought my right eyeball was going to fall out.
When did you decide you had to cancel the 50th Anniversary Tour?
We were about midway through the tour in 2019. I was trying really hard to keep going, but it just got to the point where I couldn’t continue. Sometimes, when I walked out on the stage and saw the bright lights and heard the crowd, I would start feeling dizzy and thought I was going to fall off the stage or the six-foot-wide runway. But then, once the music started, I was able to get past it because I was concentrating on the song. I was worn out that summer, physically and psychologically. After so many years of touring, I think my body was just telling me to stop. Being in the entertainment business can really take its toll—so many long bus trips, flights, and being on the road.
What did the doctors say about your symptoms?
Well, I’ve had every kind of test you can imagine and nobody can figure out what’s wrong with me. The pain pills I was prescribed did absolutely no good, even made me lose my voice.
So what have you done for treatment?
Well, first and foremost, being able to get away from touring and get some rest has been a big help. About a month or two after we got off the road, I started feeling better. Getting out in nature helps me to relax, too. I love hunting or fishing, riding my tractor or getting on my four-wheeler. They all help me take my mind off the pain. Massages and taking a long hot bath really work, too.
So how are you doing these days?
Some days are really good and some days not so much. Sometimes, when I turn my head sideways too quickly, I’ll feel dizzy. But on the whole, I’m feeling much better, and I’m very thankful for that. We’re still hoping that Alabama can hit the road again once COVID is over and play all those shows we had to cancel.
What advice do you have for people who are suffering from migraines or vertigo?
Don’t ignore it or try to tough it out. Some people may tell you that, but it’s the wrong advice. Find the medical help and support you need. And remember, you don’t need to apologize for having a migraine or experiencing severe dizziness. It’s real and it’s serious.
Any final thoughts?
One more if I could. Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Fortunately, we caught it early because I was having regular prostate screenings. I chose High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HiFU) for my treatment, and today I’m cancer-free. So, I just really want to encourage all men to talk to their doctor about prostate screening. If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.