Neil Diamond, the legendary rock star, has opened up about his battle with Parkinson’s disease, years after first revealing the diagnosis. In an interview with “CBS Sunday Morning,” the 82-year-old “Sweet Caroline” singer shared that it took him some time to come to terms with his diagnosis, but he has now accepted it. Although he still struggles with the disease, Diamond expressed his willingness to cope with it and make the most out of it, as it is a hand that God has dealt him.
In 2018, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer announced that he was suffering from Parkinson’s disease, which causes various symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and loss of balance. He mentioned that it took him some time to accept his condition fully. However, he added that a sense of calm had entered his chaotic life, and everything had become very peaceful, just like the recording studio.
This newfound serenity had made him more comfortable with himself and others. He concluded by saying that although the beat would go on long after he was gone, he was content with the present moment.
Neil Diamond Stopped Performing After His Parkinson’s Disease
Just before his 77th birthday in 2018, Neil Diamond, amidst his 50th-anniversary tour, had to stop performing due to his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Since then, he has maintained a low profile, except for a “Sweet Caroline”-set public service announcement urging people to wash their hands during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
However, Neil Diamond’s life is currently being portrayed on Broadway in the musical “A Beautiful Noise.” The show depicts the life of the legendary songwriter responsible for classics like “America,” “Love on the Rocks,” and “Hello Again.” Neil Diamond has expressed mixed feelings about the musical, admitting to feeling both flattered and scared. He also stated that being exposed is the scariest thing because we all have a facade. He went on to say, “the truth be known to all of them: I’m not some big star. I’m just me.”
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The musical, which premiered in December at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City, features Will Swenson as a young Neil Diamond and Mark Jacoby as the post-retirement performer.
This week, it was announced that A Beautiful Noise will embark on a multi-year tour across North America starting in the fall of 2024 in Providence, Rhode Island. Following the show’s finale, Diamond surprised the audience by leading a singalong of his popular 1969 track, “Sweet Caroline.” The singer, who hails from Brooklyn, made his first appearance in New York City since 2017, as reported by Deadline. CBS will air Diamond’s full interview on Sunday, while Paramount+ will provide streaming services.