With new artists entering the music business daily, we lose track of older artists that have influenced them. Two music icons have recently announced their retirement, Sir Elton John and Neil Diamond. At a New York press conference Jan. 24, John announced that after 50 years of touring, he will retire following the end of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Although he’s finished with traveling from concert to concert, he said that his writing and recording portion of his music career will not be coming to an end quite yet.

Junior Izzy Wilson has never seen John live in concert. Introduced by her father, Wilson has grown to become a fan of his works.

“His music is what got me interested in a lot of the music I listen to now. When I listen to [his songs], it always puts me in a good mood,” Wilson said. “He is such an amazing artist and it’ll be a shame that he will no longer be performing.”

Along with the announcement of John’s farewell tour, Neil Diamond has also put his retirement in the public’s eye. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the legendary musician has canceled the third leg of this 50 Year Anniversary world tour. The tour was originally set to extend to Australia and New Zealand this March, but due to the unfortunate diagnosis of the disease, it has been made difficult for Diamond to travel and perform. Diamond plans to continue writing and recording as well.

“He’s kind of iconic. I feel like he made a lot of songs that everyone knew,” junior Derek McGee said. “It’s surprising to know that he was still playing concerts at his age.”

Big thank you’s have been said by both artists to their devoted fans, who have given them the opportunity to perform for many years. Despite the fact that they have decided to take their final bows, the works of Sir Elton John and Neil Diamond have impacted the music industry and touched the lives of others worldwide.