Aaron Neville, the renowned R&B and soul vocalist, announced his official retirement from touring via a Facebook post on the morning of May 6. Neville, who turned 80 on January 24, racked up four platinum albums, four Top 10 hits on the Billboard charts, and four Grammy awards over the course of a career that spans five decades.

On an image of parchment paper, Neville wrote: “Dear Friends … I have had such an incredible and blessed journey as a musician, singer and human. The time has come for me to stop ripping and running on the road. I waited for someone to invent a way to beam me from show to show but no such luck. I love singing for others, it provides so much joy for me, at least as much as for those listening, if not more. Unfortunately the grueling nature of travel and the schedule needed to make a tour work has become less than desirable. 

The current climate of our world brought me many realizations. Life is short and I’d like to spend my remaining time I have on this earth being less hurried. Don’t see this as a permanent goodbye, by the grace of God, I will keep making more music and may show up at a special event or concert down the road.

Thank you to my  band, crew, managers, the talented artists I’ve performed with, my wife and family. Most of all, thank you to my fans. Your support has been invaluable and the memories are countless and cherished. 

It is my prayer that all the music I’ve recorded over the years will continue to provide enjoyment! May the beat go on …

With love and deep gratitude, Aaron