Fans have become deeply concerned after seeing a post by Lek Carabao. He revealed the illness of Add Carabao, expressing deep heartbreak and great suffering after Add was absent from the stage due to vocal cord problems that worsened, prompting doctors to order rest to prevent damage. He admitted feeling pressured because fans want Add on stage. Add Carabao was not present on stage because his vocal cord condition deteriorated, and doctors advised rest to avoid permanent damage. Lek acknowledged the pressure, as fans desire to see Add perform.
"Last night was the most painful and heartbreaking time standing on stage, I can hardly say that each passing minute felt incredibly long. In my mind, I kept wondering what I was doing.
Usually, when I hold a guitar, I concentrate deeply, almost like meditating. But yesterday was very different — I couldn’t keep my mind focused on the song I was playing.
Add’s genuine concern, despite his worsening vocal cord condition, was clear. The doctor had ordered him to rest for a long time to prevent permanent damage, but out of worry for the band, he stubbornly kept going.
In recent days, he arranged for someone to help with singing, with Add joining in a little. But no matter how little Add sang, having him on stage is the magic of Carabao, isn’t it?
However, this time he really couldn’t continue, so he followed the doctor’s advice and decided to receive treatment, which caused a sudden work hiatus.
As for the band, if asked whether they can perform without Add, the answer is “yes,” because Add had found someone to fill in, as I mentioned. But the question remains, "Is it really Carabao without Add?" That’s the key point.
Personally, even though I understand Add’s good intentions, I still feel uneasy. I didn’t voice any opinion, just did as Add instructed: “Lek, please take care of the band; I might need to rest for a while.”
The band manager also hopes we can get through this storm. All of this comes from good intentions. But how do the audience feel if Carabao is without Add?
What about the event organizers? Surely they have to protect themselves by stating on stage that they just found out about the situation, which is understandable. "There will be a makeup performance with ticket discounts," or something along those lines.
I myself have taken time off for major surgery, remembering that I was off for over ten days. P’Rie also often had to rest due to weak legs or illness. Other members have also stopped working at times. Add is the only one who has never stopped, because stopping is impossible for him. If Add stops, the band must stop. That’s why he has endured so far. This is a perspective that the audience and organizers might not have considered.
As I said, everything comes from pure good intentions. For me, having to perform while my friend is ill is already very painful, and on top of that, bearing the audience’s disappointment makes it even harder. That’s why, as I mentioned earlier, every minute on stage felt incredibly long.
Add may have thought, with good intentions, that he had found someone to help sing, and believed resting briefly would be fine. But in practice, it’s not that simple.
Playing with the audience’s feelings, who are disappointed because they can’t see the performance they want, is not easy. I don’t want to be in this situation, especially when the organizer speaks in the middle of the show.
Every life experience brings lessons. This one is especially valuable; it will remind me to speak up and stand firm on things I don’t want to do.
Before leaving home yesterday, my wife encouraged me, saying I would get through this difficult time. That shows she understands how I feel about performing with Carabao without Add.
Life must be clear to find happiness. This is the festive season; having time off at home to celebrate is good. Add can rest without worry, and the band members can spend time with their families.
This might be the first year in many years that we get to take a break and be with family, even counting down the New Year at home. Greetings from Bangkok."
Many fans have sent their support to Carabao, wishing all members good health and a speedy recovery for Add.
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