Neil Diamond belts out Sweet Caroline to packed Broadway show years after retiring due to Parkinson’s-Jess Bacon-Entertainment – Metro

Neil Diamond delighted the audience at Broadway’s opening night of the Neil Diamond musical, A Beautiful Noise, as he took to the stage to perform.  

The 81-year-old legend sang his hit song, Sweet Caroline as the packed crowd cheered and joined in at The Broadhurst Theater on Sunday.

Neil held his wireless microphone as he belted out the iconic number with his wife Katie McNeil, 52 stood beside him. 

The rock icon wore a metallic, snake print jacket over a thick jumper and black jeans for his rare public appearance. 

It was the first time the singer, who retired from touring in January 2018 after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, has performed in New York City since 2017. 

After his 50th anniversary tour in 2017 and retirement, Neil has spent most of his time out of the limelight. 

Neil posed with director Michael Mayer, Linda Powell, Will Swenson and Robyn Hurder on the opening night of the new Neil Diamond musical A Beautiful Noise (Picture: Bruce Glikas/WireImage)

Neil thrilled fans by performing Sweet Caroline before the musical about his life began (Picture: Bruce Glikas/WireImage)

However, this is his second impromptu performance this year, as back in June the artist made a rare live appearance at Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox. 

Neil sported his Red Sox jacket as he appeared with his Broadway counterpart, Will Swenson, who plays Diamond in the new stage musical of his life. 

The new musical has opened to rave reviews from critics and fans alike, as followers of the Beautiful Noise singer take to Twitter to share their views. 

It was the rock legend’s first public performance in New York since his retirement back in 2018 (Picture: Bruce Glikas)

One wrote: ‘Congratulations on an incredible show! Borught [sic] my mum to celebrate her birthday today, we loved it! Neil Diamond is an iconic genius and masterful songwriter!’

Another audience member agreed: ‘Seeing @NeilDiamond at opening night of @beautifulnoise was life-affirming. Amazing show!’

The musical showcases some of Neil’s 70 hit songs from the past six decades of his career, which has seen him sell over 125million records.

It comes as Neil sold his entire music catalogue including 110 unreleased tracks and a never before heard album, to Universal Music at the start of this year. 

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In January, Diamond said about the decision: ‘After nearly a decade in business with UMG, I am thankful for the trust and respect that we have built together.

‘I feel confident in the knowledge that…the global team at UMG will continue to represent my catalogue and future releases with the same passion and integrity that have always fuelled my career.’

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