Andy Bell of Erasure H.I.V. Positive
December 16th, 2004 by admin
Andy Bell announced on Tuesday (December 14, 2004) that he is H.I.V.
Positive. He has been aware of his condition since 1998 after suffering
from pneumonia.
He says on the Erasure web site, "I found out I was HIV-positive in
June 1998 when I had a bout of pneumonia in Mallorca. Since then I have
been taking combination therapy and I am feeling fine, in fact I have
never felt better.
"Being HIV-positive does not mean that you have AIDS. My life
expectancy should be the same as anyone else's, so there is no need to
panic. There is still so much hysteria & ignorance surrounding
H.I.V & AIDS. Lets just get on with life i.e. making music, doing a
live tour & generally having a good time".
Bell's long time partner, Paul Hickey has tested positive as well.
Bell will begin a campaign to educate young people about HIV and AIDS.
Andy Bell and Vincent Clark formed Erasure in 1985. They have recently
announced their new album "Nightbird" will be released on January 24
followed by a supporting tour across the U.S.