No Brit can resist the temptation of singing Sweet Caroline at the top of their lungs – especially in the pub – as Neil Diamond’s hit single has become the unofficial anthem of British sporting success.
The American singer-songwriter has enjoyed a glittering career spanning seven decades, selling more than 130 million records worldwide. Neil, 83, has written some of the most recognisable songs in pop history including Solitary Man and I’m A Believer.
The star was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018, scuppering the Australian leg of his 50th anniversary tour. He went onto quit concert touring altogether, telling fans: “It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement… I have been so honoured to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years. ‘This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.”
In an interview on CBS Sunday Morning last year, Neil told how it had taken him a year or two to come to terms with his diagnosis of the incurable brain condition, which causes shaking, slow movements and stiffness. “When the doctor told me what it was, I was just not ready to accept it,” he said, “I said: ‘Oh, OK, I’ll see you whenever you want to see me, but I have work to do, so I’ll see you later’.”
