Shufutinsky Opens Up About Mobility Challenges During New Year Event
Russian singer Mikhail Shufutinsky explained the difficulties he faced moving at a recent New Year’s concert and requested a chair for himself after the performance. The moment highlighted the toll his health has taken in recent years, even as he continues to perform for audiences who have followed his career for decades. The singer has long been associated with a particular stage presence, and this latest admission sheds light on the practical realities behind the glamour of live music.
Shufutinsky recalled that a year ago he slipped on ice while playing hockey, an incident that left him with a tailbone injury and a pulled muscle. Since then, recovery has been gradual, and he now relies on a wheelchair at home to navigate days when pain or stiffness makes standing difficult. The move sparked discussion about aging, performance schedules, and the physical demands placed on artists who tour regularly.
“The stroller is not a sign of disdain or anything like that. I am 75 years old. And sometimes my spine can hurt. I didn’t sleep well or the flight was uncomfortable. If I have to walk two kilometers across the parking lot to get on stage, they put me in a stroller and take me inside,” the singer said, explaining that mobility aids are a practical aid rather than a statement about his spirit or abilities.
According to Shufutinsky, he makes an effort to avoid overexertion and, whenever possible, protects his back. The singer emphasizes that taking rests and managing energy levels are essential to sustaining performances over time. He notes that being careful with his body allows him to continue sharing his music with fans, even as the demanding schedule takes a toll on his overall well-being.
“It’s not a sign of weakness. I can get up and dance if I feel well enough, and that’s the key. Now I’m seated because there’s a point where the body says it needs a break,” he explained, underscoring a pragmatic approach to aging in the arts and the realities of long-term stage life.
The day before his New Year’s plans, Shufutinsky announced that he would spend the holiday abroad. He planned to celebrate the occasion in the Maldives with his wife, Svetlana, and friends, a trip that blends personal time with an opportunity to recharge away from the spotlight. The shift in plans reflects a common pattern among many artists who balance public duties with private moments of rest and reflection during the holiday season.
In recent years, the artist has spoken about his life after the loss of his wife. The remarks reveal a man who navigates grief while continuing to perform, a combination that resonates with fans who have followed his career through both triumphs and personal challenges. The balance between public performance and private healing remains a central thread in his narrative, illustrating how a lifelong entertainer adapts to change while maintaining a connection to the audiences who have supported him along the way.