Timo Tolkki tells his fans that he was diagnosed years ago.
Pictured is guitarist Timo Tolkki in 2020. MINERVA COST
Former guitarist of Stratovarius Timo Tolkki59, responds to observations made by his fans about his concerts.
The musician says in his Facebook post that some of his fans paid attention to the fact that he has performed from his seat in Argentina, Chile and Brazil. Tolkki now reveals that, on the doctor’s recommendation, he will continue to perform from his seat.
– A few years ago, I was diagnosed with chronic vestibular balance disorder, which is a long-term disease of the inner ear and affects my balance. It is an incurable disease that gets worse with age, Tolkki says.
Tolkki assures his fans that he can still play.
– I have spent decades on stages around the world and nothing changes my dedication to giving you my all. I need your support now, he says.
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Tolkki receives support from both his Finnish and international fans in the comment field of his updates.
– I don’t care if you’re sitting or standing, but in any case, I’m still going to see you play live.
– Take care of yourself, Timo. Health above all! We respect and love you and what you have done.
– You are an exceptional player, whether sitting, standing or lying down.
– Stay strong Timo! All the best!
– That must be a hell of a hassle. However, I appreciate that you still manage to perform. All the best.
Tolkki played in Stratovarius between 1985 and 2008. The band rose to world fame during his time. Tolkki announced that he was ending the band in April 2008, after which the other members of the band said that they would continue under the same name without Tolkki. Tolkki has talked publicly about his mental health problems.
Recently, Tolkki has been in the headlines for his sentence. In January, Tolkki was sentenced to a fine for narcotics crimes when he and his wife illegally ordered 100 tablets containing zolpidem and 90 tablets containing alprazolam from a private individual in the Czech Republic in January 2025.
The drugs classified as narcotics were ordered in Tolk’s name. The act remained an attempt after Customs seized the package.
Zolpidem is a medicine used to treat short-term insomnia. Alprazolam, on the other hand, is used, among other things, to treat anxiety.
In May 2025, Tolk’s wife again ordered a smaller amount of tablets containing the same medicinal substances. This time too, Customs confiscated the shipment before it reached the customer. Both admitted to the drug offence.
In 2023, Tolkki was sentenced to 45 days in suspended prison for fraud and forgery.
