Stiff person syndrome: Condition explained as Celine Dion confirms return to stage

Music legend Celine Dion is returning to the stage following a break while she was treated for stiff person syndrome (SPS). The star, on her 58th birthday (March 30), announced 10 concerts in Paris in September, marking a return to the stage for her first full-length shows in six years.

She will perform at Paris’ La Defense Arena for 10 shows over five weeks, from September 12 to October 14. And she said she “cannot wait” to see her fans, calling her return the “best gift of my life” in a social media post.

The French-Canadian singer, famed for hits including My Heart Will Go On and Think Twice, said: “You know in my career, I’ve recorded a lot of birthday messages, but this is the first time I’ve ever recorded one for my own birthday.

“Wow, it’s been kind of hard keeping it a secret from myself, but I want to let you know that I’m doing great, managing my health, feeling good. I’m singing again, even doing a little bit of dancing – I love it so much.”

The shows comes after the five-time Grammy winner cancelled a 2021 Las Vegas residency due to health concerns, before revealing her SPS diagnosis in December 2022 and cancelling her Courage world tour. After revealing her diagnosis, Dion took a break from performing until 2024, when she made a brief public appearance to sing at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

But she has now revealed her comeback, adding: “Over these last few years, every day that’s gone by, I felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love, even in my most difficult times, you were there for me.

“You’ve helped me in ways that I can’t even describe, and I’m truly so fortunate to have your support. I’ve missed you so much. And that brings me back to my birthday, actually. So this year, I’m getting the best gift of my life.

“I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September this year. I’m so happy. I’m so ready to do this. I’m feeling good. I’m strong, I’m feeling excited, obviously, of course, a little nervous.

“But most of all, I am grateful to all of you. I can’t wait to see you again. Well, happy birthday to me. I love you all, and I’ll see you soon. Big kisses and goodbye for now, see you soon.”

Tickets for Dion’s gigs will go on general sale at 10am CEST on April 10, with a pre-sale launch on April 7.

What is stiff person syndrome (SPS)?

SPS is a rare neurological disorder that causes progressive muscular stiffness and spasms. There is currently no cure for the disease, according to the NHS. Symptoms include stiff muscles in the torso, arms, and legs, as well as increased sensitivity to noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms.

SPS can affect a single area of a person’s body, or be more widespread, and involves the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. The condition is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time, and is thought to be an autoimmune condition, which happens when your immune system attacks the healthy cells of your body by mistake.

Prolonged experience of SPS can lead sufferers to develop hunched postures, with others unable to walk or move around.