A few months back in a Riff City column, I told readers about singer-songwriter John Vecchiarelli’s medical problems, and a slew of local artists told me how much John inspired and helped them with their careers. Now, after recovering from the removal of a tumor from his right sinus cavity, John is back playing music until his next, reconstructive surgery takes place. Local Cut checked in with John to see how he’s doing–and how it feels to be back playing music after such a struggle.

Is this your first show since all your medical problems arose?
Yeah, I’m just getting started again. This is my second show back… I opened for Rob Dickinson at the Doug Fir last month. I’ve also been fortunate to have played shows on drums with Super XX Man and Run On Sentence in the past few weeks.

Can you offer an update on the condition of your recovery?
I’m still having some issues with my right eye vision and the hearing in my right ear, but I’m hopeful that will improve with time. I have glasses now, which helps with the fatigue, and allows me to work for longer periods with less strain on my eyesight. I have an appointment this week to assess my progress and weigh my options for corrective surgery on the orbital floor of my eye.

[John Weinland's] Adam Shearer had mentioned that you’re doing better but that you’ve still got the whole second round of surgery yet to go. How does it feel to be able to play live again knowing that you won’t be able to play (maybe at all) for another period of time?
I’m very happy to be performing again, and I’m using this window to play as much as I can. I think I have 10 West Coast shows booked in March. I am doing a handful of California dates with John Weinland to ease back into touring and see how it feels. It will be a huge drag to be down and out again after another surgery, but I need to do whatever it takes to be well for the long haul. I’m just enjoying this time, and trying to make the most of it.

Have you started working on any new material?
I had begun work on writing a new record just before my break, and I’m close to having those songs finished. I hope to get into the studio and have a new release for the fall if I can swing it.

Has your experience with illness made you want to write more or made you feel especially creative, or do you think you’ll need more time and distance to reach that point?
This experience has definitely changed (or clarified) my perspective on so many things, and I think that can only help spur new ideas and fuel creativity. I believe it has made me even more respectful of the work and the process involved in art these days. I also have a renewed sense of “fun” in regard to creating music.

What lies ahead for you, musically and health-wise, and what’s your attitude regarding those things? Are you still feeling hopeful and relatively lucky for the support you’ve had?
I’m going to take care of my health, first and foremost. All in all, I am a extremely lucky guy, as there are plenty of folks out there who must deal with much heavier issues. I will take whatever measures are necessary to get well, and get back to playing music full time. It’s been my life for so long, and I love this life. I can’t wait to get back out on the road, record, and work with other artists. The support I have received has been overwhelming. I’m embarrassed to say that I can be a bit of a hermit, so I am still hearing from and running into a lot of people for the first time since my surgery (6 months ago). People I have never met before have gone out of their way to come up and wish me well. It’s very hard to feel worthy of such attention, but I am hoping to pass along as much of that kindness as I can. Portland has a wonderful and unique community of musicians, and I am just grateful to be a tiny part of it.

Vecchiarelli plays Thursday, March 8, at Mississippi Studios with Gravity and Henry and Foureveryoung. 8 pm. $7 advance, $8 day of show. 21+.

More info on John is available at speckrecords.com

Photo: John playing at Mississippi Studios, taken from mixmeamolotov.com