Neil Diamond Was Forced To Stop Performing But Returned To The Stage For One Special Reason
If you've been to a Boston Red Sox game or a Carolina Panthers game, you will have heard the familiar hum of "Sweet Caroline" trickling out of the speakers. But it doesn't matter where you are or what your mood is — because as soon as that chorus hits, you can bet you're blaring out "bah bah bah!" without a second thought. This classic song is a testament to Neil Diamond's impact on popular music. However, in light of his devastating diagnosis, the music icon was forced to retire from performing. That is until he returned to the stage for a very special reason.
Play me
Since first making it big, Diamond has, of course, been one of music’s most enduring stars. In the intervening years, the singer has seen ten singles reach the top of the charts, won a Grammy in 1973, and sold over 130 million records. Everyone from Johnny Cash to Elvis Presley has also covered his songs. But one piece has dominated above all others.
Sweet Caroline
Through it all, “Sweet Caroline” has proved to be Diamond’s most remarkable success and a song that’s carved a unique legacy in popular music. The single became a linchpin of Boston Red Sox games following its first play at Fenway Park in 1997. It became so iconic that, after the 2013 Boston Marathon terror attack, Diamond donated its profits to aid the tragedy’s victims. But after a five-decade career, Diamond decided to call it quits in 2018.
The big reveal
The year 2018 would have seen the star embark on a tour of Australia to celebrate his career's 50th anniversary. However, fate would deal a harsh blow to both Diamond and his millions of fans. On January 22 — just two days before his 77th birthday —the singer announced news that caught his fans entirely off guard. But the message on Diamond's website turned their disappointment into heartbreak.
Fighting Parkinson's
According to the statement, Neil had been diagnosed with Parkinson's, a neurological disorder gradually deteriorating motor function. The stress of touring and performing would only exacerbate his symptoms, and so, following his doctor's orders, the 77-year-old announced he'd be leaving the stage for good.
