Sweet Mullet Drummer Reveals 15-Year Dystonia Ahead of Final Concert
The drummer of Thai rock band Sweet Mullet, Moo Wittawat, disclosed that he has lived with focal dystonia in his left arm for 15 years, a condition that has spread from drumming to everyday movements. He announced that the band's forthcoming concert will be his last performance with the group, after which he and lead vocalist Tao Dulyakiat will depart, while the remaining members continue under the band's name.
Moo Sweet Mullet said he has lived with focal dystonia in his left arm for about 15 years. The neurological disorder disrupts signals from the brain to the muscles, making it impossible to control his left arm normally. It began with difficulty drumming, initially appearing only when he played the drums—a 'task‑specific issue' but years of repetitive misuse caused the problem to spread to playing guitar, piano, and eventually simple daily tasks such as picking up a glass, using a phone, holding a fork, buttoning a shirt, opening a door, shifting gears, or combing his hair; his left arm often moves involuntarily.
He described drumming as both joyful and tormenting, saying that when he cannot command his left arm as he wishes, the sound he imagines in his head no longer matches what his hand produces. He has fought the condition for years, hoping to keep playing the instrument he loves as long as possible, but it continues to worsen. Despite this, he has never received criticism from his bandmates.
Moo admitted feeling guilty, seeing himself as a burden on the band during both performances and songwriting. He acknowledged that his role as the band's producer has slowed the creative process because he cannot fully realize the drum ideas he hears in his mind, both in the studio and live. Although he has many musical ideas, he hesitates to act on them, knowing his left arm cannot deliver them satisfactorily.
Nevertheless, he has clung to Sweet Mullet out of love and pride, but now recognizes that his reluctance to let go may stem from ego and selfishness. The thought of quitting has crossed his mind repeatedly, yet he has hesitated because the band still shares an unfulfilled dream of staging a major concert.
He concluded that the upcoming big concert will be the final milestone of his time with Sweet Mullet, after which he will be able to step away without lingering regret.
