Neil Diamond has announced he is retiring from touring following a recent diagnosis with Parkinson's disease.
The legendary crooner made the announcement this evening via a statement, revealing that he will no longer be gracing stages around the world. With that, he confirmed that the third leg of his ongoing 50th anniversary, scheduled to begin in March in Australia and New Zealand, has been cancelled due to doctor's orders.
"It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring," Diamond said. "I have been so honoured 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."
However, Diamond did say he will continue to write and record music.
"I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come," he said. "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 will turn 77 on January 24, just a few days before being honoured at the Grammy Awards on Sunday (January 28) when he will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The legendary crooner made the announcement this evening via a statement, revealing that he will no longer be gracing stages around the world. With that, he confirmed that the third leg of his ongoing 50th anniversary, scheduled to begin in March in Australia and New Zealand, has been cancelled due to doctor's orders.
"It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring," Diamond said. "I have been so honoured 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."
However, Diamond did say he will continue to write and record music.
"I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come," he said. "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 will turn 77 on January 24, just a few days before being honoured at the Grammy Awards on Sunday (January 28) when he will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.