Paul Dainty predicts Neil Diamond will keep making music

Australian promoter Paul Dainty has broken his silence over Neil Diamond’s Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis.

Writing for the Herald-Sun, Paul said was shocked by the singer’s sudden cancellation of his 11 Australia shows.

A longtime friend and promoter of Neil in Australia, Paul believes the singer will continue to make music despite his diagnosis.  

 ‘Neil will carry on recording and doing musical things’: Australian promoter Paul Dainty  (pictured right) predicts Diamond will keep making music despite retiring from touring due to Parkinson’s diagnosis

‘When I got the call about the retirement it was a shock,’ Paul wrote.

Despite Paul’s surprise over the sudden need to cancel a national tour, the promoter accepted it was unavoidable and necessary. 

‘It’s a pretty big deal to unwind 11 shows as a promoter, but obviously these things happen and his health comes first,’ Paul wrote.

Neil, who is godfather to Paul’s eldest son Sam, will continue to keep on making music for his fans, Paul predicted.  

Won't stop his passion for music: Neil, who is godfather to Paul's eldest son Sam, will continue to keep on making music for his fans, Paul predicted

Won’t stop his passion for music: Neil, who is godfather to Paul’s eldest son Sam, will continue to keep on making music for his fans, Paul predicted

‘The good thing is Neil will carry on recording and doing musical things,’ Paul wrote, referencing Neil’s existing credentials as a prolific songwriter. 

In a public statement posted to his website on Tuesday, the 76-year-old Grammy Award winner revealed that the third leg of his 50th Anniversary tour, scheduled for March and April, would no longer go ahead.

‘It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring,’ the statement read.

Bowing out: Neil Diamond has cancelled his Australian concerts and announced his retirement from touring due his recent diagnosis of Parkinson's disease

Bowing out: Neil Diamond has cancelled his Australian concerts and announced his retirement from touring due his recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease

‘I have been so honoured 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.’

He continued: ‘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. This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you,’ he concluded. 

End of an era: Neil, who turns 77 on Wednesday, had been scheduled to perform five decades of hits in front of stadium, winery and arena audiences in would have been his final concerts Down Under and in New Zealand

End of an era: Neil, who turns 77 on Wednesday, had been scheduled to perform five decades of hits in front of stadium, winery and arena audiences in would have been his final concerts Down Under and in New Zealand

Neil, who turns 77 on Wednesday, had been scheduled to perform five decades of hits in front of stadium, winery and arena audiences in would have been his final concerts Down Under and in New Zealand. 

The Brooklyn-born crooner had booked shows across the country in addition to ‘down time’ scheduled for him and his wife Katie, who is almost 30 years his junior. 

The couple married in 2012 in Los Angeles, with Neil dedicating his 2014 album, Melody Road, to Katie, who is also his business manager.

Cancelled plans: The Brooklyn-born crooner had booked shows across the country in addition to 'down time' scheduled for him and his wife Katie, who is almost 30 years his junior  

Cancelled plans: The Brooklyn-born crooner had booked shows across the country in addition to ‘down time’ scheduled for him and his wife Katie, who is almost 30 years his junior  

Veteran: One of the biggest-selling artists in the world with more than 130 million albums sold, Neil wrapped up the UK leg of his anniversary tour last month

Veteran: One of the biggest-selling artists in the world with more than 130 million albums sold, Neil wrapped up the UK leg of his anniversary tour last month

One of the biggest-selling artists in the world with more than 130 million albums sold, Neil wrapped up the UK leg of his anniversary tour in September last year. 

With a staggering 38 songs in the Top 10, he is the second most successful artist in the history of the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

The musical superstar hails from humble beginnings, once describing himself and former high school classmate Barbra Streisand as ‘two poor kids in Brooklyn’.   

Classic: With a staggering 38 songs in the Top 10, he is the second most successful artist in the history of the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart

Classic: With a staggering 38 songs in the Top 10, he is the second most successful artist in the history of the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart



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