It was a hot July night (not a Hot August Night) in London and I was to see Neil Diamond perform live for the first time. I had been a fan of his music since my teens but had never been to one of his concerts. However, I knew that he had passed his 61st birthday and wondered if he could still actually sing. I neednt have worried, he could! For those who dont know the Earls Court Exhibition Centre, it is a vast open space, sometimes used for trade fairs, sometimes as a theatre. It has incredibly high ceilings and is not the warmest and most inviting place in the world. On this evening, though, there was a buzz as people bought pre-show drinks and souvenir T-shirts and CDs. We took our seats, about 20 rows from the front and slightly to the left - not a bad view of the stage - and looked with amazement at all the complicated lighting and sound equipment up in the rafters. There was a guy up there in a sort of cage for the whole evening. Whod have his job? Hanging down the front of the stage was the biggest Stars and Stripes you ever saw.then the lights dimmed, the buzz of audience chatter was silenced and Neil Diamond appeared on, bounded onto rather, the stage and straight into a rousing version of America. Backed by a 17 piece band, many of whom had been with him for 25 years, Neil moved straight into a raft of favourites, including The Boat That I Row complete with well choreographed rowing movements from the beautiful ladies who make up the four piece string section. Neil Diamond works a stage and an audience like no-one Ive ever seen, whipping the different sections of the audience into a frenzy of appreciation with an remark here and a look there. Well worn phrase though it is, he really did have the audience in the palm of his hands, and what a mixed audience it was. Ages ranged from 20s to 90s with nearly as many men as women, throwing themselves into the dancing, clapping and swaying with as much enthusiasm. Neil doesnt take a break during his shows (apparently because hes afraid people wont return after an intermission) and although the tempo varied during the two and a half hours, he was on stage, the energy he brought to his performance was incredible. Neil sang nearly all the old favourites, dedicating Captain Sunshine to the memory of Vince Charles, the bands steel drum and percussionist, who sadly died in 2001 and He Aint Heavy, Hes My Brother to the true heroes of America post 9/11, the police offers, the teachers, the fire fighters and military personnel serving overseas in order to protect the liberty of the American people. Other highlights included Sweet Caroline and for one young lady in particular, Girl, Youll Be A Woman Soon, during which Neil lay supine on the stage caressing and kissing her as well as the appearance out of the floor of a grand piano, on which Neil played I havent Played This Song In Years and You Are The Best Part Of Me, both from his Three Chord Opera album Altogether, it was a memorable evening with music performed by a brilliant and charismatic artiste. |
