Spirit Unforgettable

With the early onset of Alzheimer's at 52, John Mann, front man for Canadian Celtic rock band Spirit of the West, confronts the reality that he's losing grasp of the poetic and political lyrics he shared with millions. With the support of his wife, he and his lifelong bandmates decide to give their fans a goodbye, hoping John can hang on for what could be his final performance at Massey Hall. From the opening line - "You'll have to excuse me, I'm not at my best" - to the climactic refrain of "take me home," the lyrics to the band's greatest hit, "Home for a Rest," have taken on new meaning. Bandmate anecdotes and archival material are interwoven with John's struggle to retain a sense of self in this emotional tribute to an incredible artist making the most of every moment as he fights with dignity against a crippling disease. (Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival)