After diagnosis of Parkinson’s, Neil Diamond quits tours

LOS ANGELES: Legendary singer Neil Diamond, 77, who had started out as a mediocre songwriter, has announced his retirement from touring due to his recent Parkinson’s diagnosis.

The third leg of his 50th Anniversary tour, which was set to launch in March across Australia and New Zealand, has been cancelled under the recommendation of his doctor.

Fans who had purchased tickets will be refunded in full.

“I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come,” the singer wrote in a statement on his website.

I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come. 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. Neil Diamond

“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.”

This Sunday, Diamond will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy at the Grammy Awards.

He is known for hit albums like “Beautiful Noise” and “Moods”, and songs like “Song Sung Blue” and “Forever in Blue Jeans”.

Paul Dainty, President and CEO and TEG Dainty which had arranged for the tour in Australia and New Zealand said: “I am devastated and saddened to hear the news of Neil’s illness and his retirement from touring. I have had the honour of promoting Neil’s numerous tours in Australia and new Zealand, he is one of the world’s greatest artists and we and his thousands and thousands of fans here will miss seeing him tour Down Under.”