Neil Diamond Halts Tour Due To Parkinson’s (Video)
Neil Diamond that he's retiring from touring. It's abrupt, but there's a good reason. He was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and his doctors have advised him NOT to tour. He started his career in 1962 with a single "You Are My Love at Last", and continued to make music ever since. He has a very impressive body of work, which you can check out on Neil Diamond discography.
Last April, he launched a massive 50th anniversary tour, which included more than 50 shows in North America and Europe. On top of that, he only took a month off between the two legs.
He was supposed to travel to Australia to begin the third leg in March, but those concerts have been canceled. Neil put out this quote,
It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring,” he said. “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. My thanks go 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 said that he plans plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come.