Neil Diamond

Thursday 19th October. Neil Diamond. O2 Arena, London. Given the spate of musical legends dying in the past few years I am making a conscious effort to see some of those that I have never seen before. The flip side is there’s a price premium for that privilege. The secondary market has also contributed to these inflated prices. Clearly thought that hasn’t stopped two sold out shows at the behemoth that’s the O2.

So tonight it’s Neil Diamond on his 50th Anniversary tour. Like Noah, Neil seems to have collected two of everything with his 13 piece backing band; two guitarists, two keyboards, two drummers, two backing singers, two times two brass section and a lone bass player. Clearly it’s the other bass player’s night off.

It’s rare that I attend gigs now where I am one of the youngest but tonight’s the night. Long-time fans mingled with a few young ‘uns and we were somewhere in the middle.

There is no point picking any highlights as its hit after hit, singalong after singalong. Sweet Caroline obviously stands out and the venue is like a giant Karaoke bar with 20,000 people belting it out.

Diamond’s voice is still strong as is his stamina with a show of over two hours. It’s a great night but my only gripes were the band seemed a little low in the mix, the unnecessary ten minute interlude where every member of the thirteen got a solo and the final song of Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show which while a good song is not ‘America’ with what he has ended most of the shows with on this tour.

Minor gripes though for a night with this legendary songwriter.

Keep on rockin y’all

I wasn't even born yet when Neil Diamond began performing, but lucky for me that doesn't matter much because even at seventy three years young Neil is still up there dancing and singing.

If you haven't had a chance to see Neil Diamond perform live before I strongly suggest that you do because he is one of the few artists today that stretches across several generations. The amazing part about the music that Neil Diamond sings is that no matter what your age you can get into it and its fun and entertaining. It is the sort of happy go lucky music that you can't help but tap your foot to and dance. The songs that he sings to me are sort of like that of a cool summer breeze in that they carry the stress and anger of the day away and replace it with something that you are likely to remember for months later.

The best part about watching Neil perform live is the fact that even at his, ahem, advanced age he still gets up there and dances like he was twenty five years old and it gives me hope that at that age I might have half as much fun as he does now! After each set Neil is quick to blow kisses to the crowd and he always bows and thanks the crowd for their praise and admiration of him and he really seems to appreciate the fact that they came to see him.

For most pensioners who are in their 70's, they spend their evenings relaxing in front of the television or enjoying a good book. Neil Diamond spends his surrounded by thousands of fans, singing classics out into gigantic venues. Luckily for his loyal fan base both old and new, the veteran singer/songwriter shows no sign of slowing down. You only have to take one look at the passionate manner in which he delivers hits such as 'Cracklin' Rosie' to understand that Neil Diamond would not be content with a simple retirement.

He adores entertaining crowds and capitalises on the reaction to favourites such as 'Hello Again'. Despite his age he still commands a stage and performs with a great sense of enthusiasm and purpose. This keeps the audience clapping and cheering along as there is a huge emphasis on fun and nostalgia during the gig.

Neil has saved his A-game weapon for a huge finale of 'Sweet Caroline', perhaps his most iconic hit. From the opening bars, the audience are ready to bellow along to this anthemic piece of pop/rock and Diamond conducts them to sway as one. A truly iconic artist with an equally iconic live show.

Oh what a night and what a treat! I am a Neil Diamond live concert virgin but it was definitely worth the wait.

Neil Diamond is still delighting audiences with his original hits and with new ones. He speaks to the crowd and everyone is happy to oblige by standing and dancing and singing along.

Of course I have my faves and I was not disappointed and though some are a little sad when you think about them lyrically it is joyful when he brings it to life with a crowd. He even sings a song that he says is actually sad for him but it brought him great joy to sing it.

Neil is still rocking on and is a definite bucket-lister. If you haven't seen him at a venue you need to get movin' and get it done. It was on my bucket list and I'm happy to say it was well worth it!

P.S. To the oh so fun woman in front of me , you were a blast ( the one who almost forgot her leopard jacket)!

tweets @ edgym2
ci vediamo

Neil Diamond is truly a wonderful performer and this concert was no exception...The fact that he is 76 years young and still performing almost non-stop for 2 hours is amazing! His voice and songs still brought people to their feet as most of his songs received partial standing ovations and the last 2 full ovations. He was gracious to the crowd who so warmly welcomed him. His poignant home movies that provided a backdrop to some of his songs, reflecting where he had come from, looking back remembering the first time I saw and heard him... to today with his voice still resonating warm and full...he is older yes, but still a great performer, perhaps moving a bit slower than he used to, but then aren't we all?..and with, what appeared to be sold out crowd showing just how much they still loved the man and his music. Bottom line: Great concert, really glad I went!

Wonderful show! Thoroughly enjoyed one of my long-time favorite performers. So happy to have been able to see him on his 50th anniversary tour. At 76, Neil's voice was not as strong but still solid and beautiful with the depth it has always had. He played all the hits you would expect, and most of the songs I'd hoped to hear. The several-song encore was super...including Cracklin' Rosie in it was perfect. The sound and lighting were very good. The audience was so enthusiastic-you could tell he is beloved by his fans and also could tell he loves his fans. A talented class act, and a really fun show.

Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham
Fri Oct 13 2017 - 7:30pm
Block A/X 13-14 Total Cost: £224.36

O.K., so Neil Diamond is almost 77, but how does he perform?

We last saw him three years ago, and we have to say that he can still put on a good show.

He was on stage for just over two hours, non-stop and his voice is still fantastic.

We did notice that his body is getting more frail, which is to be expected.

Neil sang all of the old favourites, plus some newer songs, making for a good, all-round evening.

We would highly recommend going to his concerts, whilst you still can.

Neil Diamond was great! His voice was unbelievable and his appreciation for his audience was shown throughout his performance

Pros sang songs I loved as a teenager
got the audience involved
sang the entire show
was able to video and take pictures

Cons 22 minutes late
did not sing 2 hours even with encore
left out 3 songs from previous
concerts this year

Absolutely brilliant, but then he always is. Fantastic night and good songs played.
Feel sorry for those that left at the end when he went off of stage, as he came back and did another 6 songs.
The only singer I know to go for a good two hours plus without a break.
Brilliant....Luv Ya Neil and hope that you continue to do more. xxx

Neil Diamond's Fri night show at the Pepsi Center in Denver was amazing. Neil rose to the occasion and seemed to gather more speed as the 2 hr + progressed.
Flirting at times, retrospective at times and happy the whole time...I've seen Neil many many times in 50 yrs and this was one of his best. Thank you, dear man.
Joanie Pelzer