Neil Diamond retires from touring after he reveals he has Parkinson’s
At 76 (77 as of tomorrow), Neil Diamond is just as popular as ever. How many times have you seen/heard thousands of people at a sporting event sing every word to “Sweet Caroline?”
His career extends back to 1962 with hit after hit after hit. But then the tremors started. Eventually, the diagnosis came back: Parkinson’s, the same disease Michael J. Fox is living with and the one that felled the great Muhammed Ali.
Based on his doctor’s advice, Diamond has cancelled the third leg of his 50th anniversary tour, which was supposed to include Australia and New Zealand.
It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honored to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years. My sincerest apologies to everyone who purchased tickets and were planning to come to the upcoming shows.
I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come.
My thanks go out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world. You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement. This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.
Diamond will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys this coming Sunday.
More at Variety. You can also read about “Sweet Caroline” and some of Neil’s other big hits here.
