Source: LATimes.com
Neil Diamond, the legendary songwriter, performer, and singer, announced today, January 22nd, that he has to retire following his doctor’s order. Unfortunately, Neil revealed he now has Parkinson’s disease.
In a report from E! Online, the decision to stop touring was requested by his doctor, his friends, and family. The “Sweet Caroline” crooner was about to start traveling for the third segment of his 50th Anniversary Tour in Australia and New Zealand.
In a statement released to several different publications, Neil wrote it is with “great reluctance and disappointment” that he must retire. He said he has been “honored” to bring his shows to the public for the past fifty years.
The musician sent out his “sincerest” apologies to fans and anyone who purchased a ticket in hopes of seeing him live. However, he plans on continuing to write songs and record for other projects.
The 76-year-old thanked all of his fans and audiences who have supported him throughout the entirety of his career. He said, “you will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement.”
Just this month, the Recording Academy announced Diamond as one of the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award. During his time as a musician, Neil has sold more than 125 million albums and has performed since the 1960’s.
Diamond has almost forty Top 40 songs and sixteen albums in the Top 10, making him one of the most successful artists of all time.
Some of his tracks include, “I’m A Believer,” “Sweet Caroline,” among others. In addition to the tremendous amount of records sold, Diamond has won several awards including a Grammy and a Golden Globe.
