For a man who recently claimed to have no close friends, music legend Neil Diamond seemed popular enough last night.
The 67-year-old is enjoying a critically-acclaimed rebirth which has seen his latest release, Home Before Dark, finally give him a number 1 on both sides of the Atlantic.
With 120 million albums sold in a 50-year career, he has a rich catalogue to choose from and last night every oaken-voiced song was well known to the sell-out audience.
Openers Holy, Holy, Beautiful Noise and Hello Again all had the crowd on their feet,while Love on the Rocks quickly drew another standing ovation. And the hits kept coming; I’m a Believer, Red, Red, Wine, Sweet Caroline, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers.
The sequins are toned down these days as Diamond tapped into the rich seam of gold from his last two albums.
He closed his initial set with the autobiographical Hell Yeah before barnstorming encores Cracklin’ Rosie and Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show. He’s on again at the NIA tonight so pack up the babies and grab the old ladies. In fact, let everyone know.
Review by Keith Harrison. Picture by Richard Franklin.
Were you at the gig? Post your own review using the form below.
9 Comments
What a fantastic show, and a fantastic atmosophere. Neil gave his all. From start to finish a great performance.
HAVE SEEN HIM ON ALL OF HIS UK TOURS DATING BACK TO WOBURN ABBEY 1977 THE GUY JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER,THE GREATEST
Seen every UK show and must say ND gets better & better. A fantastic performance and electric atmosphere - everyone went “wild”. What stamina the man has.
My sister and I went Wednsday and once again lost ourselves to the magic of Neil Diamond He never holds back on his performance as we on our appreciation.We to went to Woburn Abbey and a gem of a show at the Palladium and last night it was our time again
FANTASTIC HE WAS PITCH PERFECT. SEEN A FEW CONCERTS OVER THE YEARS FROM THE BEATLES TO OUEEN. BUT ON TUESDAY MR DIAMOND PUT ON A SHOW NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN 67 YEARS OLD BUT IT NEVER SHOWED 2 HOURS OF PURE BRILLIANCE CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT CONCERT
Simply Amazing. Our daughter grew up with Neil and two came with us to the opening night in Birmingham and we all lover every second. A brilliant, dazzling and superb performance, Neil appeals to ALL age groups and is just getting better and better. Would love to meet him
WOW!!! Fantastic! He just gets better and better. Anyone who hasn’t seen Neil Diamond are missing the treat of their lives.
WOW oh what a night i must just say that ive never had so much fun at a concern before
i may only be 22 but neil diamond has to be one of my idols, the man is a genius, pitch perfect and the looks to match… i would love to meet him one day its my lifes ambition i just hope he heads to willenhall the home of hootys for a visit ..
Neil gave an excellent performance - in fact, its the best I have ever seen him. I was worried about his voice after TV performances, but I certainly should not have doubted him. Roll on the next time.