Jan 22, 2018

NEIL Diamond has cancelled his Australian tour after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Doctors told Diamond, who turns 77 tomorrow, he must retire from touring immediately.

Diamond was due to tour Australia in March, as part of his 50th anniversary tour.

“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,” Diamond told fans.

”My sincerest apologies to everyone who purchased tickets and were planning to come to the upcoming shows. 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.”

His publicist said the onset of the disease has made it difficult to travel and perform on a large scale basis.

Diamond’s long-time Australian promoter Paul Dainty 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.”

Diamond will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy on January 28.

Australian fans can get a refund from point of purchase.

The 50th Anniversary Tour finished in London in October and was due to start again in New Zealand on March 15 before a string of indoor and winery shows in Australia.

He was last in Australia in October and November 2015 as part of his Melody Road tour.

-herald sun