Rock legend battling incurable disease gives rare performance

Neil Diamond, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease for several years, surprised fans with a rare performance this past weekend.

The singer was honored with the Inspirational Lifetime Achievement Award at the 39th Annual Carousel Ball on Saturday, Oct. 11.

During the ceremony, Diamond performed his hit “Sweet Caroline” alongside Broadway star Nick Fradiani, who plays the singer in the Broadway play “The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise.”

“So good,” read the caption on an Instagram video that captured the performance.

Many fans in the comments section applauded Diamond’s singing ability and stage presence.

“The LEGENDARY Neil Diamond, he just gets better with age,” one Instagram user wrote.

“God bless you, Buddy. You could never lose that sound. I love you,” another user commented.

The event also honored Diamond with heartfelt messages from celebrities like Hugh Jackman and country star Luke Bryan, per The Men’s Journal.

Diamond announced his retirement from performing back in 2018 after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

The 84-year-old has written and recorded ten singles that topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts: “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Song Sung Blue,” “Longfellow Serenade,” “I’ve Been This Way Before,” “If You Know What I Mean,” “Desirée,” “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,“ “America,” “Yesterday’s Songs” and “Heartlight.”

Overall, Diamond has charted 38 songs within the top 10 of theBillboardAdult Contemporary chart, and sold an estimated 130 million records during his career. Diamond was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984 and into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. He also received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

Earlier this year, the singer stunned fans with a surprise performance at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles.