Illness ends legend’s touring days
STAR singer-songwriter Neil Diamond has retired from touring after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Diamond cancelled his Australian tour, which was due to start in March, after doctors advised that the onset of the disease would make it difficult for him to travel and perform on a large-scale basis.
The Australian tour, which was to include concerts at Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, was to be the final leg of his 50 Year Anniversary Tour.
Diamond, who turns 77 today, plans to keep recording music. He told his fans: “It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world. This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.”