Spirit of the West’s front man, John Mann, dies at 57

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The local music scene mourns one of its own Wednesday.

Spirit of the West front man, John Mann has died of Alzheimer’s at the age of 57 in Vancouver.

The band’s publicist, Eric Alper says the news comes with “deep sadness.”

“Surrounded by friends and loving family until the end, all were reminded of John’s rich legacy. He was a potent force in music, acting — onstage, in movies and on television, and was world renowned as a songwriter,” Alper says.

“As well, he was a foresightful activist and charitable figure for several worthwhile organizations. His work will resound long after his untimely passing.”

Born in Calgary, Mann came to Vancouver in the early 80s to study theatre at Langara’s Studio 58, leaving the program to co-found Spirit of the West.

Together, they found fame with songs like “Political” and “Home For a Rest” and celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2008.

After Mann’s diagnosis of colorectal cancer in 2010, he made a full recovery a year later.

Then a few years ago Mann was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Mann kept performing with the group to the best of his ability until their farewell shows in 2016.

That same year, he travelled to Mexico for an experimental stem cell procedure, a therapy not approved in Canada, but to no avail.

He leaves behind a wife and two adult children.