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For 50 years, Neil Diamond had been the King of Sparkle, but at the O2 Arena, on October 19, 2017, Neil was perfect! He sang for two straight hours, closing the show with a giant, soulful version of Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show.
The fans cheered until their throats were sore. They had no idea they were watching the end of an era. This wasn’t just another stop on his 50 Year Anniversary World Tour; it was the very last time the world would see a full Neil Diamond concert.
After London, everyone was excited for the next big step: Australia and New Zealand. Neil was scheduled to perform in huge stadiums and beautiful wineries in cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. Thousands of fans had their tickets ready, waiting to shout, “So good! So good! So good!”
Neil Diamond, Sweet Caroline, O2 Arena, London
But Neil never made it to the airport.
In January 2018, just weeks before he was supposed to land in Australia, Neil released a message that was both brave and heartbreaking. He told his fans he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. His doctors told him it was no longer safe for him to travel or perform long shows.
The reaction was instant. Fans across the world didn’t just feel sad; they felt like they were losing one of the biggest stage presences! Paul Dainty, the man who planned the Australian tour, said he was “devastated.” Die-hard fans who had loved Neil since the 1960s cried as they realized that he was finally stepping down from his throne.
But Neil didn’t want the story to end in tears. Even though his body was shaking, his heart was still full of music. He told everyone, “This ride has been so good thanks to you.” He promised to keep writing songs, even if he couldn’t dance on stage anymore.
It has been nearly nine years since that last night in London. Today, Neil is 85. He still fights his disease every day with a smile! Neil still makes some rare guest appearances in different shows! To keep his legacy alive, make sure to follow him!
