NEWS
Neil Diamond gives rare performance of Sweet Caroline at Boston Red Sox game
20 June 2022
Neil Diamond made a rare appearance to perform 'Sweet Caroline' at the Boston Red Sox game at the weekend.
The 81-year-old music legend retired from touring in 2018, after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
And just over two years later, he returned to the stage at Fenway Park in Boston on Saturday (18.06.22) to sing the football anthem adopted by the Red Sox for their match against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Diamond was joined by Broadway star Will Swenson, who is set to portray the legendary musician in 'A Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond Musical', for the performance.
The 'America' singer announced that he was retiring from touring, with "reluctance and disappointment", after being stricken by the degenerative condition.
In a statement at the time, he said: "It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honoured to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years.
"My sincerest apologies to everyone who purchased tickets and were planning to come to the upcoming shows."
Despite quitting touring, Diamond vowed to continue writing and recording music for a "long time to come".
He added: "I plan to remain active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time to come.
"My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world. You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement. This ride has been 'so good, so good, so good' thanks to you."
Earlier this year, Diamond sold his entire song catalogue to Universal Music Group.
The deal included 110 unreleased tracks, an unreleased album and archive videos.