Beveridge singer Dylan Marguccio has released a powerful rendition of John Lennon’s Christmas song in support of Muscular Dystrophy Australia – a disease impacting 40,000 Australians, including himself.
Produced by Angus Davidson – one of the top sound engineers who’s worked with INXS, Crowded House and KISS – Marguccio’s cover of ‘Happy Xmas (War is Over)’ takes on a personal, but powerful message to people living with Muscular Dystrophy.
Marguccio, 18, who relies on a wheelchair, has the most severe type of Muscular Dystrophy called Duchenne that significantly impacts his life, with a life expectancy of the early 20s.
It is unknown when Marguccio will lose his ability to sing but he is determined to show others that people with disabilities can do anything.
“I’ve loved singing ever since I was given a karaoke machine when I was young, and nothing was going to stop me from becoming a recording artist,” Marguccio said.
“Now, to have had a song produced by the same guy behind bands like Crowded House and INXS is a dream come true, so watch out Harry Styles – I’m coming for that number one spot.”
Many Australians live invisibly with the disease, not even aware of it until their muscles become weaker as they age.
Marguccio hopes proceeds from his song will help fund researchers on the cusp of breakthrough to finding a cure.
“Seriously, if my Christmas song can raise money to help other kids living with Muscular Dystrophy, and go towards finding a cure for the disease, that would be incredible,” Marguccio said.
“Ironically, one of the top research centres in the world for muscular dystrophy is in the city where I live – Melbourne. All funds raised will go to their muscle lab research centre at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, MCRI.”
Muscular Dystrophy Australia founder Boris M Struk said Marguccio’s song would support the organisation’s work towards a world without the disease.
“It’s a common misconception that Muscular Dystrophy is only diagnosed at an early age, but it can affect people at any age, from in-utero right up to a late diagnosis at the age of 60 plus,” Mr Struk said.
“It also affects both males and females, and can impact many parts of the body, such as the legs, limbs, spine or knees, depending on the type of Muscular Dystrophy.
“Our hope is that Dylan’s Christmas song can raise funds to aid clinical trials, so that no other parent needs to lose a child to this dreadful disease.”
Marguccio first won the hearts of judges Delta Goodrem and Guy Sebastian with his performance of ‘I want you back’ in the blind auditions of The Voice Australia in 2020.
After his crowd-winning performance, he debuted at Kilmore’s Trackside last year, where his singing dreams came true alongside his friends and family.
Now with his song, Marguccio’s mission is to make a brighter future for people living with his condition, which is starting to look better thanks to clinical trials led by Muscular Dystrophy Australia Fellowship recipient Dr Chantal Coles at MCRI.
‘Happy Xmas (War is Over)’ by Marguccio is available to purchase now via iTunes and Spotify.
To make a donation and to stream Marguccio’s video clip visit mda-christmas-appeal-2023.raisely.com.
