Neil Diamond gives surprise performance 2 years after retiring due to Parkinson's disease

Despite having retired from touring, Neil Diamond is still surprising fans on the stage.

The 79-year-old took the stage at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, giving fans a rare show two years after announcing his retirement due to Parkinson's disease.

Diamond performed at the 24th annual Keep Memory Alive Power of Love Gala benefit, where he was being honored.

According to People and the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Diamond performed some of his greatest hits like “Hello Again,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Love on Rocks,” “I Am…I Said" and "September Morn."

Diamond also performed his classic "Sweet Caroline" alongside Billy Ray Cyrus, Sammy Hagar, Chris Isaak, Katlyn Nichol and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, the outlets report.

"I’m feeling great," Diamond told People at the event. "This is an important thing they’re doing and I feel honored to be part of it and take part in it."

In January 2018, Diamond announced he was retiring from the road due to Parkinson's disease and canceled the third leg of his 50th Anniversary tour. In August of that year, the musician told the Associated Press he hoped to be able to perform live again one day.

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“Well, I’m doing pretty well. I’m active. I take my meds. I do my workouts. I’m in pretty good shape. I’m feeling good. I want to stay productive. I still have my boys. I just can’t do the traveling that I once did, but I have my wife there supporting me (and) friends,” he said.

“It does have its challenges, but I’m feeling good and I feel very positive about. I’m feeling better every day,” he added. “Just dealing with it as best I can, and just keep the music coming.”

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Neil Diamond comes out of retirement for surprise performance at gala