Sad music news to report. Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Diamond has announced his retirement from touring due to a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.
Neil, who is celebrating his 77th birthday today, created the songs many of us grew up with, such as “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Coming to America” and “Heartlight”. He wrote “I’m a Believer” for the Monkees and “Red Red Wine,” the 1983 cover of which was a hit for reggae rockers UB40. Of course, Neil is probably best known for the crowd participation staple “Sweet Caroline” (bum-bum-bum), which he performed in the freezing cold this past New Year’s Eve on FOX’s Steve Harvey-hosted NYE extravaganza. And he didn’t even ask for tea. Take that, Mariah.
The singer announced the cancellation of the third leg of his 50th anniversary tour, which was set to head to Australia and New Zealand in March, on his website. In his statement, he said, “It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. 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.”
Although Neil won’t be hitting the road anymore, he’s not leaving the public eye entirely. He adds, “I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come.” He thanked his fans for their love and support, telling them, “This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.” Neil, who was inducted in the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, will receive a Lifetime Achievement Grammy during Sunday night’s ceremony.
I’m a child of the 70s, and grew up with Neil Diamond’s music. This is sad news to hear, especially since I still haven’t gotten over losing Tom Petty and David Cassidy. I hope he is around and writing music for years to come.
Photos: WENN.com, Getty Images
This gave me the sads. I’m not a huge fan of his music, but my Dad has Parkinson’s and it is heartbreaking to watch it slowly take its toll on him.
My best to you and your Dad. I traveled the path with my Dad for 12 years of his PD. It can be a bittersweet journey.
Now both Neil and Linda Rondstat have beautiful voices at the mercy of the slow theft known as PD.
Thank you! <3
I’ve seen him in concert twice and he’s a great performer. This is sad news.
One of my favorite memories before my mom died: i was mattress shopping for the 1st time as an adult and my mom called me. This was about 10 years back. She said she had an extra ticket to see Neil, because a friend flaked out, and asked if I would like to go. I said, “Sweet Caroline hell yeah!”
lol! there is something about that guy!! His showmanship is amazing!!! I’ve seen concerts, but that one was high on the list ” best concerts of my life!!”
I’ve been to about 10 of his shows over the course of my life (same generation as Kaiser, grew up with loving 60s and *early* 70s music). I can honestly say, I had the BEST time at his shows. Without fail, every audience ranged from young teens to people well up there in their 80s I’d guess, and all would be on their feet, singing and dancing, or just swaying to the music. He put on a fantastic show each time, well over 2 hrs. I had my first kiss during “I’m a Believer” at a Neil Diamond concert 😊
Anyone who thinks he’s just “bubblegum” pop! I dare you to listen to “Brooklyn Roads”, or “The Story of My Life” and not feel something.
Many thanks! Neil, for so much wonderful music, and so many great memories. Sending much love and respect ❤️
Love him loved his music since I was a toddler in the 1970’s.Turn to his music when I need a pick me up.I am I said…Some of the best most deeply touching lyrics in that song.God bless you Neil!
Just thinking about the lyrics to “Coming to America” makes me tear up!
Story of My Life makes me tear up every single time. Beautifully written song.
So sad for this wonderful man with the voice of an angel. All the best to you, Neil and thank you for your music. Much love <3
+1
This is so sad 😞
As a girl in the 70s and 80s…I HAD THE BIGGEST CRUSH ON HIM! Seriously…I paid MONEY to the see “The Jazz Singer” (which was pretty awful, though the music was MAGNIFICENT)! Him and Babs singing “You don’t bring me flowers”…LAWD HAVE MERCY!!!! Always wanted to see him on stage back then…but he has left me some MAGNIFICENT PERFORMING MEMORIES…because he used to LIVE on “Solid Gold” back in the day!
OMG, I could have written this! But I disagree – The Jazz Singer is criminally underrated. It had Sir Laurence Olivier too! Such a great soundtrack. I absolutely love ND. Such a handsome man too, even in his advanced age. Solid Gold and the Solid Gold dancers! Darcel forever!
We had to write a paper on popular singers in the 9th grade. My teacher was stupid over Neil Diamond so, uncool as he was back then in my world, it was a no-brainer to pick him for my paper. His life was actually kind of interesting and I got an A. And I still like to listen to Mandy. Good luck Neil!
Except Mandy is Barry Manilow. : )
Stones.
Very sad news! My Mother and older sister especially are big fans , so I grew up on many of his songs. This is one of the best pop singer/ songwriters so I have to point out he wasn’t the one who did Mandy as one of posters wrote that was B. Manilow, he was responsible for so many other great ones – Solitary Man, I’m a Believer , Sweet Caroline , etc. Should have gotten Lifetime achievement years ago. Thanks for the music, Neil , you are in our thoughts and prayers.
He gives great concert shows – on time, long sets, courteous to stage crews. Very talented guy. Sad that he’s hit with this disease but he’ll still be able to compose & arrange.
This is so sad.
On a completely selfish note, my plan was to attend his concert as I hear that are really good. While I don’t know his whole catalog, he was always on my checklist of shows to attend.
I saw Neil Diamond in concert in the late 80’s, and although i was in my 20s at the time and only went because it was with parents of a friend, it was the best concert I had ever been too. EVERYONE in the stands was singing along with all the songs – the place was rocking! It was such a great experience and I have loved him ever since.
My best wishes to him.
I love Neil Diamond. So sad….
His music is really fun. Sorry to hear this.
Love him. This is so sad. Wishing him the best.
He seems like such a brilliant,kind,wonderful man.Not a song of his I don’t love ❤️ His music always has heart and meaning
Sad news. My mother is a huge fan, she used to play his live record Hot August Night a lot for us. A brilliant record check it out – I still know every word to the songs.
His double live album Hot August Night is considered one of the best live albums of all time. I love listening to it still.
I defy anyone to get through Crunchy Granola Suite and not bop along. Sad news.
I love Neil Diamond and was really sad to hear about this. At least his voice is in good shape. Linda Ronstadt also has Parkinson’s and unfortunately, it’s robbed her of the ability to sing. She had a crystal clear voice.