Disease Forces Neil Diamond To Stop Doing Concert Tours

Neil Diamond is retiring from the live-concert circuit after entertaining his fans for nearly a half-century.

The singer-songwriter made the announcement Monday, explaining that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Diamond said doctors advised him to cancel the third part of his 50th-anniversary tour, which was scheduled to include March performances at outdoor stadiums, indoor arenas and wineries in Australia and New Zealand.

“It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring,” Diamond said in a news release posted on his website. “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.”

The singer thanked his “loyal and devoted audiences around the world,” adding: “You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement. This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.”

The comment was a nod to his hit single “Sweet Caroline,” which encourages crowds to repeat the “so good” line.

The release noted that all the concerts in the first two legs of the anniversary tour, in the United States and Europe last year, were sold out. “I am devastated and saddened to hear the news of Neil’s illness and his retirement from touring,” said Paul Dainty, the president and chief executive officer of TEG-Dainty.

The producer continued: “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.”

The news release assured those who made plans to attend the March performances that “tickets purchased by credit or debit card will be refunded in full.”

Diamond is to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys on Jan. 28, four days after his 77th birthday. Share Tap praised him for having “graced the world with his incredible singing voice, stage presence and passion for songwriting.”

The website gave the entertainer credit for having “inspired” and “mentored” other artists.

During his long career, Diamond has released more than 30 studio albums, eight recordings of live performances and 27 other albums.

He married his former manager, Katie McNeil, in 2012. They have had four children.

“There’s no better inspiration or motivation for work than being in love,” the singer told Billboard Magazine.

“It’s what you dream of as a creative person. I was able to complete this album, start it, write it and complete it, under the spell of love, and I think it shows somehow.”

Diamond has had 38 songs in the Top 10 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, according to Wikipedia. His 10 No. 1 singles are “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Song Sung Blue,” “Longfellow Serenade,” “I’ve Been This Way Before,” “If You Know What I Mean,” “Desiree,” “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” “America,” “Yesterday’s Songs” and “Heartlight.”

Diamond became a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. He received the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000, and was honored at the Kennedy Center in 2011.

Source: Neil Diamond, Share Tap
Photo: Neil Diamond/Facebook, YouTube