Frankie Valli’s recent performance has been a topic on social media, as the singer appeared to struggle on stage. He had a hard time holding up the mic to his mouth and struggled to sing on cue while the crowd watched for some awkward seconds.
There were also a few lip sync fails as the singer sounded the same as in the original, despite looking zoned out and sometimes not even moving his lips. Clips of the 90-year-old have sparked concerns online, with some trolls comparing him to a Chuck E. Cheese animatronic.
Why is Frankie Valli still performing?
There have been speculations that the mob may be forcing Frankie to keep performing, as he is clearly unfit and should be retired. Taking clues from the fact that The Four Seasons have had connections with the likes of a Genovese crime family member named Angelo “Gyp” DeCarlo, fans assume he owns some dangerous people’s money and must work to pay it back.
The band allegedly played at clubs co-run by the mafia at the early stages of their career, creating these dangerous interferences. Former band member Bob Gaudio once recalled how a former manager’s mafia tried to claim them until Gyp warded them off through familiar means.
While concerned supporters continue to speculate, Frankie has issued an assuring statement to calm tensions, saying he is working at will. In his words, the legendary singer has no plans to retire as he still enjoys performing. He noted that the comments on social media about being forced to sing have been amusing as no one can force him to do anything.
He also addressed the lip-syncing talks, saying his band is experienced at layering vocals and instrumentals such that they sound exactly like the records. Frankie’s statement did not do much to convince fans, who still insist that he needed to rest or possibly put down the mic for good.