Neil Diamond announces he is retiring from touring because of recently diagnosed disease
Legendary musician Neil Diamond says he’s retiring from touring and that he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The artist, who has been a mainstay in the music world for 50 years, revealed on his official website that doctors recently told him he has the disease. As a result, he decided to cancel the remainder of his 5oth anniversary tour, which had been ongoing since last year.
Diamond, who turns 77 years old on Jan. 25, reached out to all of his fans in a statement:
“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.”My sincerest apologies to everyone who purchased tickets and were planning to come to the upcoming shows.”
The canceled shows were set to take place in Australia and New Zealand this spring. Refunds for tickets will be issued to fans.
“I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come,” Diamond’s statement continued. “My thanks goes 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 recently finished the the first leg of his 50th anniversary tour, visiting cities around the U.S. and Europe. The singer-songwriter plans to be in attendance for a pre-scheduled appearance at the the 2018 Grammy Awards on Jan. 28.
The beloved performer has sold more than 150 million albums in his career. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. He first hit the music scene in the 1960s as the songwriter of monster hits like The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.” He started his own singing career around the same with hits such as “Solitary Man” and “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon.”
One of his most popular songs, “Sweet Caroline,” has become a classic anthem that has spanned generations, being played in sports arenas across the world, as well as in popular TV commercials. It never seems to fail to bring people to their feet, clapping and singing along.
Fellow celebrities and musicians shared their well wishes after hearing Diamond’s shocking announcement.
Keep fighting, old buddy. You've got a long way to go yet. @NeilDiamond ❤️ Call the sun in the dead of the night and the sun's gonna rise in the sky.
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) January 23, 2018
So much respect for #NeilDiamond. Feel honored to have seen him live. Wishing him strength and good wishes. https://t.co/hVRWjTZvD8
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) January 23, 2018
Endless admiration and love to you @NeilDiamond https://t.co/EJfjSsPkgw
— josh groban (@joshgroban) January 23, 2018
#Neil Diamond So,so sorry to hear about the great Neil Diamond’s illness. I’m rooting for you Neil! Fight on from another Brooklyn boy!
— Barry Manilow (@barrymanilow) January 23, 2018
Our best wishes go out to Diamond during his treatment and for a relaxing retirement!