Neil Diamond cancels tour after shock diagnosis
Legendary singer Neil Diamond has cancelled his tour of Australia and New Zealand (scheduled for March and April) after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
He announced his retriment from touring through a statement posted on Tuesday.
"It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honoured to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years," he said.
The 76-year-old said he would continue to make music, but touring had become impossible.
"This ride has been 'so good, so good, so good' thanks to you," he said.
The decision to cancel his shows had been made on doctor's advice, he said. Refunds would be given.
Garry Craft, Mission Concert event director at Mission Estate Winery in Napier, NZ, where tickets sold out, heard the news about midday on Tuesday.
"We had no idea he was dealing with Parkinson's. It's obviously something he's become aware of quite recently, and I mean within the last week or two.
"My understanding was that they were trying to get medication that would allow him to do at least the two New Zealand shows, but doctors said 'absolutely no way'," Craft said.
"It's a very sad day for everyone, particularly Neil and his family," he said.
Diamond released his first studio album in 1966, The Feel of Neil Diamond, and went on to become one of the highest-selling artist of all time, according to Billboard. He has released 32 albums since.
His last release, apart from 2016's Christmas album, was Melody Road in 2014.
All remaining shows of his 50 Year Anniversary Tour, including those in Australia and New Zealand, have been cancelled. The pop singer had already completed the European and American legs of his tour that started in April and included 55 dates.
Promoters said all ticket holders would be refunded within 10 working days.
Written by Glenn McConnell and Marty Sharpe. Republished with permission of Stuff.co.nz.