Neil Diamond has announced his retirement from touring. The announcement came after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
In a statement, the Solitary Man singer said, “It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. My sincerest apologies to everyone who purchased tickets and were planning to come to the upcoming shows.”
The 76-year-old has said that he intends to continue writing and recording for as long as he can.
The singer last performed in Birmingham in October 2017.
The degenerative disorder of the brain mainly affects the motor system. Several personalities including the likes of Robin Williams and Pope John Paul II had also been diagnosed with the illness.
Barack Obama honours Neil Diamond at The White House (2011). Video: The Daily Conversation
Throughout a career that’s unfolded over half a century, Diamond has sold over 130 million albums worldwide and has enviously topped charts with 37 Top 40 singles and 16 Top 10 albums. He also has 40 Gold albums, 21 Platinum albums and 11 multi-platinum albums against his name.
The Los Angeles-based singer is all set to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys on January 28th.
”This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.”
Brummies are reacting to the sad news:
As an international star, Neil Diamond’s music was certainly appreciated by many Brummies, as tweeted by themselves:
Sad to see Neil Diamond has been diagnosed with Parkinson's and has had to retire from touring. Whether he's your cup of tea or not, he was one hell of a showman. https://t.co/zwTw27WOIM
— Fated Snowfox (@fatedfox) January 23, 2018
Neil Diamond retires from touring after Parkinson’s diagnosis.
My late mother's favourite artist, from "Sweet Caroline" to "Pretty Amazing Grace". I now regret not seeing him on his recent UK dates. https://t.co/HBXn9ymQGH— Carl Julian Bayliss (@carljbayliss) January 23, 2018
Awful news about Neil Diamond. One of my musical heroes. So many immense tunes (even the cover of America used as the ROI World Cup song for USA 94). Fortunate enough to say I saw him live in Bham a few years back and he was sensational. Undoubtedly a true #Legend
— Kevin Green (@kevingreen07) January 23, 2018
Real shame about @NeilDiamond. My Mom used to say “that’s my boyfriend” every time he was on TV. She watched the Jazz Singer probably once a week, so it was a lot. An unbelievable song writer.
— Matt Hunt (@matthuntmba) January 23, 2018
Reactions have also been coming on from all over the world.
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
I love @NeilDiamond and thank him for decades of Hot August Nights and "Pretty Amazing Grace." Take care of yourself — we need you more than we need another tour. pic.twitter.com/VQ8imfdmSh
— David Wild (@Wildaboutmusic) January 23, 2018
DIAMOND IN THE SKY: OUR FAVOURITES
Cracklin’ Rosie (Tap Root Manuscipt, 1970)
Sweet Caroline (1969)
America (The Jazz Singer, 1980)
Cherry Cherry (The Feel of Neil Diamond, 1966)
Solitary Man (The Feel of Neil Diamond, 1966)
