Neil Diamond fans donate canceled concert ticket refunds to Parkinson’s research

Fans of music legend Neil Diamond were shocked by the artist’s sudden retirement from live touring due to Parkinson’s Disease. Diamond was in the middle of his 50th anniversary tour when he broke the unfortunate news, forcing him to cancel several dates.

Ticket holders got refunds on the unused seats for the canceled shows, which were scheduled in Australia and New Zealand. But, instead of voicing their disappointment, many of Diamond’s fans decided to turn their loss into an opportunity to help others.

Diamond’s wife, Katie, recently tweeted how fans are stepping up and reaching out to put their refunded money to good use, including donating it to Parkinson’s disease research. Talk about turning a negative into a positive!

Fans responded to the tweet by hopping onto the giving train and sharing their own donation news.

The news also thrilled the “Sweet Caroline” singer. He tweeted to his generous fans after hearing about the movement.

“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,” Diamond said in the statement announcing his sudden retirement this week.”My sincerest apologies to everyone who purchased tickets and were planning to come to the upcoming shows.”

He still plans to appear at the Grammy Awards ceremony on Jan. 28. He is scheduled to receive a lifetime achievement award at the event. Given the timing of his unfortunate announcement, that moment should be one of the show’s most moving.

The veteran singer-songwriter has sold more than 150 million albums throughout his career. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. In the 1960s, Diamond became known as a go-to songwriter with for groups like The Monkees, for which he penned “I’m a Believer.” Then, he made a name for himself singing his own songs. From the early “Solitary Man” to classics like “Sweet Caroline” and “America,” Diamond’s list of hit songs is impressive.

Knowing that his fans are in his corner has to make the singer’s new situation a bit easier to take. We wish him luck for his appearance at the Grammy Awards!