Neil Diamond cancels Australian tour, retires from touring due to Parkinson’s disease

Neil Diamond has announced his retirement from touring effective immediately after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The 77-year-old made the announcement today on his official website, also revealing that his forthcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand has been cancelled as a result, on the advice of his doctor.

Diamond hopes to continue creating music, but outlined that the onset of his Parkinson’s, it’s now too hard to travel and perform on a large scale.

"It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring," Diamond said.

“I have been so honored 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."

"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.”

The forthcoming Australia and New Zealand dates would have been the third leg of his 50th Anniversary tour, which already saw Diamond sell out shows in Europe and US last year.

“I am devastated and saddened to hear the news of Neil’s illness and his retirement from touring," said of TEG Dainty president and CEO Paul Dainty.

“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."