Neil Diamond is retiring from touring after he says he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Days shy of his 77th birthday, the rock legend is canceling his tour dates in Australia and New Zealand for March. He was on his 50th anniversary tour.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer offered his ‘sincerest apologies’ to those who planned to go to his shows and says he plans to still write, record and work on other projects ‘for a long time to come.’
Neil Diamond is retiring from touring after he says he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (File photo February 11, 2017)
Diamond’s numerous hits include Sweet Caroline, America, Love on the Rocks and Hello Again.
Diamond turns 77 on Wednesday and will get the lifetime achievement award at Sunday’s Grammy awards.
Diamond went on to describe his feelings regarding his stepping down from touring: ‘It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring.’
‘My thanks go out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world,’ he continued.
Days shy of his 77th birthday, the rock legend is canceling his tour dates in Australia and New Zealand for March. He was on his 50th anniversary tour. (pictured in 1975)
Diamond seen performing on NBC’s Today show in New York in 2014
‘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 songwriter’s most recent album was released in 2016, Melody Road, around Christmas of that year.
While at an age when most artists rely on their extensive back catalog, Diamond continued to challenge himself in the studio, and appears to be committed to still writing and recording, health permitting.