Neil Diamond Retires From Touring, Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Classic rocker Neil Diamond has announced his retirement from touring after revealing that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

NEIL DIAMOND RETIRES FROM TOURING AFTER PARKINSON’S DIAGNOSIS

Based on his doctor’s advice, Diamond has canceled the third leg of his 50th Anniversary Tour, scheduled for Australia and New Zealand in March. In a statement, the musician says he plans to continue writing and recording music.

“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 an announcement on his website. “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 turns 77 on Jan. 24, and just four days later, he will be honored at the Grammys with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The rocker launched his 50th Anniversary Tour last April and performed on 55 dates and locations across North American and Europe, wrapping in London on Oct. 19. At a Los Angeles show in August, he said, “My job is the greatest job in the world. I sing. You hear. You applaud. I sing louder. I go wherever the noise is.”

Paul Dainty, Diamond’s tour promoter, expressed his sadness over the cancelation and the singer’s illness in the announcement. “I am devastated and saddened to hear the news of Neil’s illness and his retirement from touring,” he said. “I have had the honor of promoting Neil’s numerous tours in Australia and New Zealand, he is one of the world’s greatest artists and we and his thousands and thousands of fans here will miss seeing him tour down under.”

Diamond’s most recent studio album, 2014’s Melody Road, was written entirely by himself and put together with an incredible production team. He also had a Christmas LP in 2016. His most famous works include “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rose,” and “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon.”