Final chorus for Neil Diamond fans after diagnosis scuppers tour plans

The singer, who turns 77 today, said he had made the decision “with great reluctance and disappointment” following a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

But he said he would continue to write and record songs “for a long time to come”.

The onset of the disease is said to have made it difficult for Diamond to travel and perform “on a large-scale basis”.

He was due to embark on the third leg of his 50th anniversary tour in Australia and New Zealand in March. The concerts followed engagements in the UK, Ireland, and the US last year.

The veteran musician is one of the biggest-selling artists of all time, having shifted more than 125m discs since the 1960s.

Brooklyn-born, he began his music career in New York’s Tin Pan Alley, where he wrote songs for publishers after dropping out of a medical degree.

Some of his biggest early writing successes were The Monkees’ hits I’m A Believer and A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You.

Later, a catalogue of other artists recorded his music, including Elvis Presley, Lulu and Deep Purple. In 1966, he released his debut single as a recording artist, Solitary Man, which appeared on his first album, The Feel Of Neil Diamond.

In 1969, he released Sweet Caroline, one of his most enduring and beloved songs. His other hits include his first number one in the US, Cracklin’ Rosie, and the 1970s anthems Song Sung Blue and Desiree. His 1978 duet with Barbra Streisand, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, is also regarded as one of his best.

In 2008, at the age of 67, Diamond was a headliner at the Glastonbury Festival.

Yesterday he apologised to fans who had bought tickets to his upcoming shows.

He said: “You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement. This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good’ thanks to you.”