Song Sung Blue

Neil Diamond says he has Parkinson’s, retires from touring

Days shy of his 77th birthday, Jewish singer-songwriter cancels upcoming concerts, offers ‘sincerest apologies’ to fans

By AP and ToI Staff 23 January 2018, 5:10 am 2

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Neil Diamond performs at the 84th Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting at the Rockefeller Center on November 30, 2016 in New York City. (Theo Wargo/Getty Images/AFP)

Neil Diamond is retiring from touring after he says he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Days shy of his 77th birthday, the Jewish singer-songwriter is canceling his tour dates in Australia and New Zealand for March. He was on his 50th anniversary tour.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer offered his “sincerest apologies” to those who planned to go to his shows and says he plans to still write, record and work on other projects “for a long time to come.”

The Grammy winner’s hits include “Sweet Caroline,” ”America,” “Hello Again,” and “Love on the Rocks” from the 1980 “The Jazz Singer.” He has sold over 125 million albums and has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Diamond turns 77 on Wednesday and will get the lifetime achievement award at Sunday’s Grammy awards.