Neil Diamond Cancels 50th Anniversary Tour After Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis
Neil Diamond, singer of “Sweet Caroline” and other hits, canceled the rest of his 50th anniversary tour and announced his retirement from touring after a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Diamond was scheduled to perform in Australia and New Zealand in March, following his performances in the U.S. and Europe.
“It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring,” Diamond said in a statement on his website two days before his 77th birthday. “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.”
Diamond said he plans to continue writing, recording and developing new songs and projects. Parkinson’s disease is progressive and affects the nervous system. It causes tremors, muscle stiffness, changes in speech and other symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic.
On Twitter, fans and fellow musicians reacted to the news.
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
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 just wanted to say to you @NeilDiamond Thank you for these years of touring and your timeless beautiful music that has brought happiness to the world. Take care and know that we all love you so much! Your heart light shines wherever u go!! ❤️
— Carnie Wilson (@CarnieWilson) January 23, 2018
God Bless @NeilDiamond Still one of the greatest shows I have ever seen and my favorite live album of all time HOT AUGUST NIGHT is still relevant. Thanks Neil for all of the great music. NOW FIGHT SIR!!!! FIGHT!!! #Parkinsons #NeilDiamond
— Joe Bonsall (@joebonsall) January 23, 2018
Shout out Neil Diamond I wish you the best. You are an amazing talent THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR GIFT WITH US ???? #NeilDiamond
— Jerry Riekert (@Jerry_Riekert1) January 23, 2018
Sending all our love to #NeilDiamond. https://t.co/wYoaQXJ0HT
— Urge Overkill (@UrgeOverkill) January 23, 2018
The kindest thing any star ever did for me was at the beginning of my career at @RollingStone. @NeilDiamond invited my mom who loved him backstage and treated her like a Queen. She kept this photo on her bedside table for the rest of her life. God Bless #NeilDiamond. pic.twitter.com/4IfTnwaFlN
— David Wild (@Wildaboutmusic) January 23, 2018
Image via Creative Commons/Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer
Elizabeth is the reporter at The Mighty. Elizabeth also runs the Elizabeth Explains column of Mighty Brief, The Mighty's daily newsletter. Follow her on twitter @ekcassidy4 or send an email to elizabeth@themighty.com.
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