NEIL DIAMOND TO STOP TOURING

Neil Diamond has announced his retirement from touring due to his recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. He was set to start the third leg of his 50th anniversary tour in Australia and New Zealand in March.

Diamond will continue to write and record as well as develop new projects. The onset of the disease has made it difficult to travel and perform on a large scale basis.

“It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honored to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years,” Diamond said. “My sincerest apologies to everyone who purchased tickets and were planning to come to the upcoming shows.

Diamond’s 50th anniversary tour had already played the U.S. and Europe last year, wrapping the stateside run in August at The Forum.

Diamond, who turns 77 on Wednesday, will receive The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award this year.