Fans of legendary singer/songwriter Neil Diamond know a thing or two about transforming lemons into lemonade. This week the 77-year old music legend regretfully announced his retirement from touring on doctor’s orders since a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. Fans who had already purchased tickets for the Australia and New Zealand legs of his 50th anniversary tour were assured they would receive full refunds for their ticket purchases.
But in an amazing show of support for their music idol, hundreds of Diamond’s ticket holders tweeted his wife and manager Katie, that they were donating the money they received for the cancelled shows to Parkinson’s Disease research. (https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8095865/neil-diamond-fans-donate-refund-money-charity). Katie Diamond, the singer’s wife and manager, expressed her extreme gratitude in a recent Twitter posting @KatieMcDiamond.
She announced surprise, wonder and gratitude that she has begun receiving posts from hundreds of cancelled tour ticket holders that they are donating their refunded money to Parkinson’s research, along with such other good causes as fire victim funds and animal rescue organizations. Katie noted “my heart is so full of joy at this silver lining” to a heartbreaking situation that has curtailed her husband Neil’s ability to continue to perform for loyal fans around the globe.
The singer himself posted a response to his wife’s heartening tweet, noting “this makes me smile” and expressing his gratitude for the love and support which has been directed his way since making his retirement announcement this week. Diamond reassured his fans “it makes a difference.”
Although his recent health challenges have stopped the Grammy-Award winning Diamond from continuing his 50th anniversary live tours, he promises that he will continue to remain as active as possible in the music business continuing to write songs and record them.
During his five-decade career in American pop music, Neil Diamond has produced hit after hit, including Cracklin’ Rosie, I’m a Believer, Forever in Blue Jeans, and Sweet Caroline, which he sung to a packed audience in Boston following the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013.
