Its 1st June, 2005 and three years less a month or so since I last saw Neil Diamond perform here at Earls Court. Im wondering if this could be a mistake because the 2002 concert was so fantastic and Neil so charismatic that Im 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 dont 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 Dont 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. Im not sure that I dont 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 Dont Pay No Mind, the highlights were Desire (missing from the 2002 tour) and You Dont Bring Me Flower, once again in duet with Linda Press and an encore of the fabulousIve Been This Way Before. I cant 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. |
