There’s a heightened sense of appreciation ever since Campbell announced last year that he’s battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Campbell is not doing many interviews these days, but he met with the Globe when he was in Worcester last month for a show at the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. (His concert at the Wilbur Theatre on Thursday has been sold out for weeks.)
Campbell is on what he calls “The Goodbye Tour,’’ which coincides with “Ghost on the Canvas,’’ a new album he intends to be his last before finally retiring.
Woollen, his fourth wife, is by his side for most interviews, including this 30-minute one. She’s a reassuring presence who never interrupts or corrects Campbell, but rather guides him when he veers off topic.
She says as little as she needs to, nudging him in the right direction. Her sense of humor keeps him in good spirits, too. When talking about how he has kept his voice in such good shape — and indeed it’s gorgeous on his latest album — Campbell says he doesn’t have any tricks. No tea with honey? Nope. How about a little whiskey?
“No whiskey! I don’t know the last time that I had a drink,’’ he says emphatically.
“I do,’’ Woollen says, a little smile creeping across her face.
“When was it then, smart aleck?’’ Campbell shoots back.
“Well, I think it was about eight years ago. You got arrested,’’ she says, slyly referring to the infamous mug shot of Campbell in rough shape.
“Oh, yeah.’’
Campbell relies heavily on Woollen, enough so that it’s a relief to see his steady performance the next night at the Hanover Theatre. Campbell is upbeat, his eyes trained on the floor monitors that presumably are feeding him lyrics. His between-songs banter is short and sweet, and his voice is strong.
