The folk-rock duo Indigo Girls, comprised of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, recently opened up about new medical challenges affecting their performances ahead of their upcoming shows, including a concert in Medford that sold out rapidly. Earlier this year, Saliers disclosed in a video that she has been diagnosed with two progressive conditions that cause tremors and impact her singing voice, a central element to the duo’s signature harmonies.
Saliers explained that there is currently no cure for her conditions, and as a result, her voice will inevitably change. To adapt, the group is employing modern audio technology during live shows to help maintain the quality of their sound. Ray emphasized the use of digital tools that subtly aid in smoothing vocal tremors without compromising authenticity. Additionally, Lucy Wainwright Roche has joined them in concerts to provide vocal support, enhancing the trio’s harmonies.
Ray, speaking en route to her home in Georgia, said they have been navigating how to adjust their live set to accommodate Saliers’s condition, acknowledging that some songs can be performed at times while others become more challenging. The duo had already begun scaling back touring to spend more time with family prior to the diagnosis, and they are uncertain how the progression of Saliers’s illness will affect their future activities. Ray expressed hope that their performances will continue in some form, though with potentially less touring intensity.
The Indigo Girls have a long-standing relationship with their audience, many of whom have grown alongside the group over four decades. Ray noted that this continuity fosters a shared sense of community, especially as both the artists and fans face the realities of aging and health issues. She highlighted the importance of mutual understanding and grace amid these challenges.
The duo’s role in groundbreaking projects such as Lilith Fair continues to resonate as well. Ray underscored the ongoing relevance of all-women music festivals, pointing to recent events inspired by the Lilith Fair legacy, including one organized by Olivia Rodrigo. She argued that such gatherings provide crucial platforms amid persistent societal misogyny, offering opportunities for empowerment across genders.
Activism remains a core element of the Indigo Girls’ identity, with Ray noting that their concerts strive to balance advocacy with creating an inclusive space for joy and shared musical experiences. She emphasized the desire to unite audiences regardless of political views, encouraging collective reflection and solidarity through song.
The Indigo Girls will continue their tour with shows scheduled in Northampton, Oak Bluffs, and Portland, Maine, with tickets still available for those engagements.