Retired rock legend, battling Parkinson’s, surprises fans with live performance

Neil Diamond still has it.

Seven years after retiring, the rock icon stunned fans with a liver performance over the weekend during Saturday’s performance of “The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise” in Los Angeles.

The 84-year-old singer, who was sitting in the audience, performed “Sweet Caroline.”

In the video, Nick Fradiani, who portrays Diamond in the musical based on his life, introduced the musician.

In 2018, Diamond said he was retiring from concert touring as a result of the diagnosis.

“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 a statement on his website. “My sincerest apologies to everyone who purchased tickets and were planning to come to the upcoming shows.”

Diamond said he would continue writing and recording music.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that can cause tremors in the hands and arms, rigid muscles and speech changes such as slurring, according to the Mayo Clinic.He made the announcement while in the midst of his “50 Year Anniversary World Tour.”

Diamond – who has been nominated for 13 Grammy awards and won one – will be given the coveted Lifetime Achievement Awards at Sunday’s Grammy Awards. Diamond, who has sold more than 125 million records, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

“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 in the 2018 statement. “This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.