Neil Diamond has retired from touring after five decades following his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease
SINGER Neil Diamond yesterday announced his retirement from touring after five decades, following his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease.
The Sweet Caroline hit-maker, who turns 77 today, has cancelled the remaining dates of his 50th anniversary tour in Australia and New Zealand on medical advice.
But the star insisted that he will continue to write and record music despite the debilitating condition, which can lead to tremors, speech impairment and mobility issues.
He told fans: “It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring.
“I have been so honoured to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years.
“I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come.
“My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world. You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement.”
Neil performed in the UK in October as part of his tour, but said the onset of Parkinson’s had “made it difficult to travel and perform on a large-scale basis”.
The New York-born star married his manager Katie McNeil, 46, in 2012. He has four children from his two previous marriages.
Diamond, who has sold more than 130million albums worldwide and had numerous No 1 hits, is due to receive a lifetime achievement prize at The Grammy Awards on Sunday.
Fellow singers yesterday paid tribute to his incredible career and wished him well in his battle against the disease.
Barry Manilow, 74, tweeted: “So so sorry to hear about the great Neil Diamond’s illness. I’m rooting for you Neil! Fight on from another Brooklyn boy!”
And Nancy Sinatra, 77, added: “Keep fighting, old buddy. You’ve got a long way to go yet.”
Speaking about the 50th anniversary tour in 2016, Diamond had said: “I am one of those people who would rather sit on the beach and do nothing — but I can’t.
“There’s absolutely no reason to do this tour or any of the tours that I’ve done for the past 20 or 30 years. But it is exciting.”
Shy to showman
By Simon Cosyns
IT’S sad we’ll never again hear the singalong footie crowd favourite Sweet Caroline being belted out by its iconic American author.
“Songwriting has been part of my life since I was a teenager and it will be till my dying day,” Neil Diamond told me on a recent UK visit.
Shy Diamond first tasted success with songs performed by others, his breakthrough coming with The Monkees’ life-affirming take on I’m A Believer, probably the best song of the era The Beatles didn’t write.
As he stepped into the limelight himself, the hits started flowing… I Am I Said, Song Sung Blue, Cracklin’ Rosie and, later, Beautiful Noise and Forever In Blue Jeans.
With adoration came confidence, the pinnacle of his showmanship being 1972’s sweat-soaked Hot August Night live album, a performance that exuded Elvis levels of sexual tension.
And as anyone who saw him wow Glastonbury’s Sunday afternoon cross-generational masses will testify, Diamond became an enduring, much-loved master of his craft.
You made good times never seem so good.
MOST READ IN BIZARRE
Writing may help
By Carol Cooper
PARKINSON’S is a chronic condition that tends to worsen over the years.
Most people who develop it are over the age of 50 and in most cases there’s no known cause.
While no two people experience the disease in quite the same way, the main symptoms are trembling, stiff muscles and slow movements.
Muscle rigidity can make everyday tasks difficult and it can hurt.
Slow movements make it harder to walk and to keep one’s balance, while the trembling brings its own challenges too.
There can also be tiredness, low energy and mood changes, while the patient may have trouble concentrating. Although there’s no cure, treatment can help control the disease and boost quality of life.
Readjustments are often necessary, especially in those for whom stress is a factor.
All in all, Neil Diamond’s retirement from touring is completely understandable. But, with luck, this huge talent will continue to satisfy his millions of fans.
Being creative may also help his condition, as long as he avoids overworking.