Neil Diamond (photo from his Facebook page)
Neil Diamond’s announcement on Jan. 22 that he would no longer be performing due to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s has elicited a big response of encouragement and admiration from fellow musicians via social media. The singer-songwriter turns 77 on Wednesday, Jan. 24.
We’ve chosen several to share with Best Classic Bands readers.
Diamond himself tweeted on Jan. 23: “Thank you to everyone for your outpouring of love and support.”
Micky Dolenz, who sang lead vocal on The Monkees’ hit “I’m a Believer,” which Diamond penned, wrote: “Thru his music, Neil brought untold joy to countless fans and to the world.”
I am dismayed at the news that one of the greatest songwriter/performers of my generation #NeilDiamond has to curtail his activities due to illness.
Thru his music,Neil brought untold joy to countless fans and to the world.
I wish you all the best, Neil, and remain a “Believer”~ pic.twitter.com/wz1CDEaTWJ— Micky Dolenz (@TheMickyDolenz1) January 23, 2018
Dr. John tweeted a photo of himself and fellow musicians (including Diamond) performing at the Band’s The Last Waltz farewell concert
#DrJohn, #NeilDiamond, #JoniMitchell, #NeilYoung, #RickDanko, #VanMorrison, #BobDylan @ #RobbieRobertson at #TheLastWaltz with #TheBand. pic.twitter.com/WKtaJblNBm
— Dr. John (@akadrjohn) January 23, 2018
I’m sorry to hear about Neil Diamond’s Parkinsons diagnosis. Neil, I wish you all the best, buddy. pic.twitter.com/ZJm5ajscpm
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) January 23, 2018
From one Neil to another…
For all the joy @NeilDiamond has brought to the world, I know it will come back to him ten fold. Sending all my love to him and his family. #NeilDiamond pic.twitter.com/iVTbl6320A
— Neil Sedaka (@neilsedaka) January 23, 2018
Thank you Neil Diamond for 50 wonderful years of your great music, amazing personality and love… https://t.co/abvdvSP4Pv
— Reba (@reba) January 23, 2018
#Neil Diamond So,so sorry to hear about the great Neil Diamond’s illness. I’m rooting for you Neil! Fight on from another Brooklyn boy!
— Barry Manilow (@barrymanilow) January 23, 2018
Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” is played at each Boston Red Sox home game during the 8th inning. Team Chairman Tom Werner told People: “We will forever be indebted for Neil taking it upon himself to fly across the country overnight to sing ‘Sweet Caroline’ in person in our first game at Fenway Park after the bombing. That was a profoundly emotional moment.”
This makes me smile. Thank you. Thank you to everyone for your outpouring of love and support. It makes a difference. https://t.co/TLZAa69q1B
— Neil Diamond (@NeilDiamond) January 23, 2018
.@NeilDiamond wish you all the best Neil. God bless you with long life and happiness. Keep sharing your gift of creativity that brings joy to so many people’s lives ☮ Yusuf
— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) January 24, 2018
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationAn unbelievable talent, phenomenal singer/songwriter. I, like many other people, wish him the very best. His music isn’t exactly my “cup of tea”, but you can not deny the hits, the astronomically large number of sellout performances, and the millions of fans. He is one of music’s Greatest! May you have Peace and very little pain in your future journey Mr. Diamond.