Pattaya sees rise in independent Chinese tourists amid decline in group tours

[webfact]

Singer Neil Diamond diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, to retire from touring

Jon Herskovitz

 

FILE PHOTO: Singer Neil Diamond performs on NBC's 'Today' show in New York, U.S. October 20, 2014. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

 

(Reuters) - U.S. singer-songwriter Neil Diamond, one of pop music’s all-time best-selling artists, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and plans to retire from touring, his official website said on Monday.

 

The onset of the disease has made it difficult for him to travel and perform on a large-scale, a statement on the site said, adding he will be cancelling upcoming concert dates in Australia and New Zealand and offering refunds.

 

“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 in the statement, offering apologies to those who purchased tickets to his upcoming shows.

 

Diamond, known for hits including “Sweet Caroline” and “Cracklin’ Rosie,” said he plans to remain active in song writing and recording.

 

Later this week, Diamond will turn 77 and on Sunday the Recording Academy plans to honor him with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

Diamond has sold more than 130 million albums worldwide and 38 of his singles have made it to the Top 40, according to the academy.

 

Grammy-award winner Diamond, a fixture in American pop music since he began recording in the 1960s, has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

 

“My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world. You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement,” Diamond said.

 

“This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you,” he said.

 

Reporting by Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas; Editing by Neil Fullick

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-01-23

 

[isaanbanhou]

77 years old, thank god he found a reason to retire. 

[billd766]

1 minute ago, isaanbanhou said:

77 years old, thank god he found a reason to retire. 

 

I think that he brought more enjoyment to many millions more people in his 77 years than you could in a thousand lifetimes.

 

It is sad that he has Parkinsons disease.

[isaanbanhou]

6 minutes ago, billd766 said:

 

I think that he brought more enjoyment to many millions more people in his 77 years than you could in a thousand lifetimes.

 

It is sad that he has Parkinsons disease.

more than you and I in 100,000 life times my friend.   It is sad he has Parkinsons.

 

and if you want to go watch him in a wheel chair or Cher when she is incontinent or Mick Jagger prancing in his tights at 95 be my guest.

 

Dame Vera Lynn is 100 perhaps they can squeeze a song or two out of her still.  I think neil deserves a rest .

[eggers]

Very sad has Parkinson's it's such a terrible disease... Many great memories in 70's & 80's, saw him twice in concert, 1st "Hot August Night" Tour to AUS in 1977 & a later tour in 1990's,..... 

a true Super star!! 

[pgrahmm]

Sad to hear this....Saw him & he put a great show.....

 

His shows have not been as good in voice during the later years but he loved being out there & he sold out time after time in big venues without a big hit song in decades....He always connected with his audience....

 

Enjoy the rest of your time Neal - you did exceptionally good....