Patrick Darling, a 32-year-old musician, made an emotional return to the stage with his bandmates in London, using technology to overcome the challenges of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Diagnosed with ALS at 29, Darling lost his ability to sing and play instruments but revived his musical voice through an AI tool that created a “voice clone” from old audio recordings.
This advancement has enabled him to compose new music despite his condition, which affects muscle control and breathing.
Darling’s journey in music began at around 14, learning various instruments and nurturing a deep passion for singing. He joined the Ceili House Band alongside Nick Cocking over a decade ago, becoming a key member.
However, as ALS progressed, Darling struggled with coordination and eventually lost the ability to perform physically, leading to his last show with the band in June 2024.
A breakthrough came when speech therapist Richard Cave introduced Darling to an AI program developed by ElevenLabs, designed to recreate lost voices from minimal recordings. This technology has offered voices back to those with conditions like ALS, allowing them to engage in creative pursuits and work. Darling’s recreated voice, while not perfect, gives him a sense of identity and creativity.
The ElevenLabs tools, including an AI music generator, have enabled Darling and others to produce music by selecting styles and inputting text prompts. This tool has been pivotal for several artists, offering new creative possibilities. Darling’s performance in February marked a significant moment, as he joined his band on stage for the first time in two years, showcasing a song enhanced and produced through this technology.
Despite the obstacles posed by his illness, Darling aims to continue creating music, underscoring the profound impact of these technological advancements on his life and ability to express himself artistically.
Source: Technology Review
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https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/02/13/1132913/als-stole-this-musicians-voice-ai-sing/