Spirit of the West's John Mann, 57, dies after battle with Alzheimer's

Canadian music icon John Mann has died at age 57.

Mann, whose career spanned nearly40 years, was best known as thefrontman of the folk-rock band Spirit of the West.

He diedpeacefully surrounded byfriends and family in Vancouver on Wednesday.

"His songs, and his lyrics particularly, will be remembered for generations," saidVince Ditrich, the band's drummer and manager.

"He had such a gift for finding the universal in the everyday."

A four-time Juno nominee for his work with Spirit of the West, Mann and his Vancouver band became underground heroes for their politically savvy, musically diverse songwriting, which fused traditional strains of folk, Celtic and turn-of-the-'90s alt-rock.

WatchMann perform at a fundraiser Toronto, after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's:

John Mann performing on stage

5 years ago

Duration 2:13

John Mann performing on stage

"John was so powerful and so charismatic," saidDitrichabout Mann's on-stage performances. "I don't know if I've ever known anyone as charismatic."

Mannhad battledearly-onset Alzheimer's disease since 2014 and spoke publicly about his struggles.

He wasdiagnosed in his early 50s, whilein remission for colorectal cancer, but continued performingfor as long as he could using an iPad to remember the lyrics. When he could no longer perform, he tried alternative treatments forAlzheimer's such asstem cell therapy.

"He was graceful under the most dreadful of circumstances," saidDitrich. "John was very kind, very gentle and very wise."

His wife, playwrightJill Daum, later wrote a stage production about a family's experience withdegenerative disease that mirrored her own life.

Born in Calgary, Mann initially shifted to Vancouver to study theatre at Langara College's Studio 58.

In 1983, he first hooked up with Geoffrey Kelly and J. Knutson and formed the trio Eavesdropper, though they would change their name to Spirit of the West by the time they independently released their self-titled debut in 1984.

Spirit of the West signed to Warner Bros. Records in 1989 and was active until 2016, releasing many hits over the decades including Political, Save This House and Faithlift.

Mann's last record and his third solo, The Waiting Room,tackled his long fight with colorectal cancer.

Mann also actedand scored rolesin television series includingStargate SG-1, Smallville, Battlestar Galacticaand Intelligence.

"His work will resound long after his untimely passing," hispublicist Eric Alpersaid in a statement.

Mann is survived by his wife and grown childrenHarlan andHattie.

A private memorial service will be held later.