Cinema VinesAt 73, Indian singer‑songwriter Remo Fernandes announced his retirement from live concerts after a career that spanned more than four decades, citing health complications that followed a bout with COVID‑19. The Padma Shri awardee delivered his final performance during a Goa Day celebration organized by Cranford Community College in Hounslow, United Kingdom, where he stepped onto the stage in a black shirt and jeans to a thunderous applause.
During the event, Fernandes explained that the decision to stop performing stemmed from a series of medical setbacks. He revealed that a mild stroke, triggered by his third COVID‑19 vaccine, had impaired his finger movement, affecting both his guitar and flute playing. “I had a light stroke after the third vaccine, and it made my fingers difficult to use,” he said. He also suffered vertigo and a serious fall that required brain surgery, further limiting his ability to perform on his feet.
Despite these challenges, the artist apologized to the audience for not being able to perform at the level he once did. “My fingers are not what they used to be, and my throat is not what it used to be,” he said, acknowledging the physical toll that had forced him to consider sitting down for future shows. He added that doctors had advised against standing performances, but his desire to say goodbye on his own terms kept him on stage for almost an hour.
Fernandes’ final set included many of his most beloved songs, such as “Maria Pitache” and “Humma Humma,” allowing fans to experience a full hour of his musical legacy. He concluded the concert by expressing gratitude and stating that his long‑held wish of performing one last time had finally come true.
Born in 1953 in Goa, Fernandes initially studied architecture in Mumbai before turning to music. His diverse repertoire, ranging from independent rock to iconic Bollywood hits, earned him a dedicated following worldwide. Although his retirement marks the end of his live performances, his influence on independent music and his contributions to the industry remain significant.
