‘Wolfgang’ vocalist Basti Artadi raises funds for face surgery

Editor’s Note: This story is being updated with the correction that Mr. Artadi is suffering from a tumor in the head, not brain tumor.

Sebastian “Basti” Artadi, the mestizo front man of local rock band Wolfgang, says he has been suffering from a “tumor in the head,”  which has left the right side of his face paralyzed, and is pooling funds for his “facial sling” surgery.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Artadi reported that the tumor was worsening and that he decided to sell shirts with his printed face to raise funds for his medical operation.

“In 2009, I was diagnosed with a tumor in my head, this tumor is on the nerves that control the right side of my face which is what is causing the paralysis. As a result, I had to relearn to sing with a paralyzed mouth and the fatigue that comes with it,” he elucidated in his viral Facebook post.

“Because one side of my facial muscles is working more than the other the inevitable result is that my mouth is slowly being pulled to one side and the doctors have said that I will eventually not be able to talk, much less sing.”

Despite his ailment, Artadi is thankful that he was granted the talent to belt out high notes and pursue his successful singing career here and abroad.

“I thank God every day because I’m lucky that this thing still left me with the ability to sing, what would have really sucked is if it took 100% of motion from the get go. So we move on and we do the best we can with what we have,” he optimistically said in his post. The legendary rocker did not disclose the full amount he needs to fund his operation.

To order Artadi’s shirts, visit Jeepney Rock Stop on Facebook. Gianna Francesca Catolico