Despite the fact that he announced his retirement from performing in January, Neil Diamond looked like he was still ready to rock at the recent Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala in NYC. “I think I want to go out and do some shows,” the singer, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984, told Closer at the event. “I’m a bit bored.”

Though he stepped away from the road after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Neil, 77, appeared right at home onstage at the June 14 ceremony and performed a rousing rendition of “Sweet Caroline.” An insider says Neil is mostly focusing on “living a healthy lifestyle. He’s doing acupuncture.” But he does have some new music that’s “on its way out,” Neil revealed. “We’ll see how people like it.” Good times never seemed so good!

neil diamond and his wife

Neil and his wife, Katie, in 2016.

It’s great that Neil is not letting anything slow him down, especially his health issues. Although he confided to Grammy Award-winning artists that his Parkinson’s disease battle was “soul-crushing,” he continues to keep making music no matter what. Neil’s friend previously revealed to Closer how the star regained his strength to continue working.

“He’s doing yoga and meditating, and a live-in chef makes sure he eats healthy,” noted the friend, adding that fans can take heart since the singer still has a stash of songs to share. “Neil has numerous recorded songs that have never been released.” That’s music to our ears!

neil diamond

After being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Grammys, Neil is definitely living his best life this year and we can’t wait for more music to come! “I plan to remain active in writing, recording, and other projects for a long time to come,” Neil previously said in a press release. We’re glad to have him back!

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