It's 1st June, 2005 and three years less a month or so since I
last saw Neil Diamond perform here at Earls Court. I'm wondering
if this could be a mistake because the 2002 concert was so
fantastic and Neil so charismatic that I'm not sure if he can
possibly live up to my, now very high, expectations.
The atmosphere is electric in the 17,000-odd seat arena and I
wish that Neil would hurry up and get on stage. I don't have to
wait long. The band, all 12 pieces, emerge through the floor of
the stage and the show begins with "Crunchy Granola Suite",
swiftly followed by more vintage Diamond.
Neil is just the same - the black trousers, the sparkly shirt,
the energy, the voice, the charm and the mixture of panache and
passion with which he delivers the timeless favourites.
Contrary to expectations, there is nothing from his imminent new
album, but a sort of a preview in the form of a set of acoustic
numbers including "And The Grass Don't Pay No Mind", a personal
favourite of mine which Neil performs sitting down with his
guitar.
Some of the oldies have been given a slightly new treatment in
terms of arrangement, but the voice, the centrepiece, is the
same. In tribute to UB40s hit with Red Red Wine, Neil starts to
rap part way through. I'm not sure that I don't prefer the
original though. "Forever in Blue Jeans" introduces some
interesting brass and harmonies from the three backing singers
(one more than last time)
The patriotic "America" brings the crowd to their feet (even the
London crowd) and "Sweet Caroline", as ever, makes everyone sing
along, our enthusiasm encouraging Neil to a couple of encores.
Except for those rare seated moments, Neil roams the stage with
his usual energy, encouraging the crowd (as if they need it) and
generally looking as though he is having a good time. He has the
ladies in the audience practically swooning through the slightly
suggestive "Play Me" and his sotto voce asides nearly bring them
to their knees.
For me, apart from "And The Grass Don't Pay No Mind", the
highlights were "Desirée" (missing from the 2002 tour) and "You
Don't Bring Me Flower", once again in duet with Linda Press and
an encore of the fabulous"I've Been This Way Before".
I can't believe how fantastic this show is, the lights, the
music, the skill and camaraderie of the band but above all, the
sheer presence and unmistakeable voice that is Neil Diamond.
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