Neil Diamond isnât letting Parkinsonâs disease keep him out of the spotlight. The legendary singer, 84, delighted fans in Los Angeles with a surprise live rendition of âSweet Caroline,â following a performance of “A Beautiful Noise,” the Broadway musical based on his life and career.
Music Legend Neil Diamond Returns to the Spotlight
The impromptu moment took place at the Pantages Theatre, where Diamond shocked fans with his surprise appearance, simply wearing a baseball cap and dark jacket.
As the cast took their bows, Diamond took the mic and launched into his iconic 1969 anthem, leading the entire theater in a rousing sing-along.
Despite his 2018 Parkinsonâs diagnosis and retirement, the Grammy winner looked energized and sounded pitch-perfect.
One fan who was in the audience said it was âtruly awesome,â adding, âHis voice hasnât lost a thing.â Another simply called him a âlegend.â
Fans on social media echoed that sentiment, with videos quickly going viral and commenters praising Diamondâs unexpected return. Many noted how âhealthy and joyfulâ he appeared, especially after years away from the stage.
Diamond Announced His Retirement in 2018âBut Never Stopped Creating
Diamond first revealed his Parkinsonâs diagnosis in 2018, announcing he would retire from touring and cancel the final leg of his 50th Anniversary Tour. In a heartfelt statement posted to his website at the time, he wrote, âIt 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.â
Though he stepped away from touring, Diamond made it clear he wasnât walking away from music. âI plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come,â he shared.
The Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter has sold more than 130 million records worldwide and penned timeless hits like âIâm a Believer,â âForever in Blue Jeans,â and âGirl, Youâll Be a Woman Soon.â His work has earned him a spot in both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 2009, Diamond was named MusiCares Person of the Year for both his musical achievements and his philanthropic contributions. In 2018, the Recording Academyâthe team behind The Grammysâhonored him once again, awarding him a Lifetime Achievement Award alongside other music icons like Tina Turner, Queen, and Emmylou Harris.
Tell us! Besides “Sweet Caroline,” which of Neil Diamond’s hits is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Neil Diamond Makes Surprise Return to Stage at 84 Years Old appeared first on EntertainmentNow.