Beethoven was also going deaf in his later years, and he didn't let that stop him, Gary...of course, he didn't have to deal with loud obnoxious ship guns...the cause of Beethoven's deafness is unknown, but it has variously been attributed to typhus, auto-immune disorders (such as systemic lupus erythematosus), and even his habit of immersing his head in cold water to stay awake (now, there's dedication for you..right up there with Donny's appearing naked).

It's funny, but if I have my music in front of me, I never look at it, except very occasionally, or to check what style/tempo I used. It's more of a crutch to me, Gary, and, I do have hundreds of songs in memory, mainly either the more simple or the most complex...strange, eh?

But, I've accepted the fact I need "stinkin sheet music", and, so far, haven't needed therapy, or to appear naked on stage...yet.

I'm sure, due to of some of his more attractive audience members making it a bit hard for him, Donny will always be an outstanding entertainer.

Ian