Following a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, singer-songwriter Neil Diamond has cancelled his upcoming Australia and New Zealand tour dates and has announced he is retiring from concert touring effective immediately.
“It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring,” Diamond said in a statement posted on his official website. “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.”
The “Sweet Caroline” singer said that he will continue to write and record new music, and thanked fans for support. “I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come,” he said. “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.”
Diamond, who turns 77 this week, has sold more than 100 million records since the 1960s.