Neil Diamond performs at The Rose Bowl 17th June

Dazzling Neil Diamond sparkles with sheer genius

Review by Alan Cooper of The News

Dazzling Neil Diamond delivered a flawless,24-carat gem of a show, sparkling with hits and gleaming with showmanship.

The veteran singersongwriter,enjoying a career renaissance, demonstrated why he is one of music’s most enduring performers as he delivered hit after hit from his five decades in the business.

With a new album of original songs riding high in the charts, a world tour, and a classic songwriter award from Mojo magazine presented only this week, he is an oldschool showbiz legend who has suddenly become cool again – and he’s clearly loving every moment.

At 67, his enthusiasm and energy for life and a good show have not diminished, even though the spangly suits of the 70s have been toned down to shiny shirts and an understated glittery jacket.

The show featured songs from his current album Home Before Dark, but the music which made himfamous, the soundtrack to many a summer, had the capacity crowd at the Rose Bowl lapping it up, tapping their feet and singing along.

Among them was Pompey hero Harry Redknapp, who himself got a cheer as he took his seat.

The show was like a jukebox including catchy anthems Cracklin’ Rosie,Song Sung Blue and, conjuring up the sweetestsunshine memories of all, Sweet Caroline – three minutes of the purest pop ever performed.

Neil and the audience enjoyed this one so much he even treated us to a reprise.

Strong melodies have always been Diamond’s stock-in-trade. But what makes him unique is his voice – a gravely,chocolatey Brooklyn drawl that gives his songs an extra dimension.  It can be powerful one moment, a low, soulful growl the next, and he delivers every word from the heart.

He has a massive femalefollowing, and at times, as he poured out his love songs, they were delivered to heights of ecstasy. He had the audience in the palm of his hand.

For me, besides the classics already mentioned, the high pointswere the show-stopping I Am I Said, and the albumtitle track Home Before Dark.

His 10-piece band, with a four-piece brass section and three female backing singers, were all excellent. A jewel of a show thatanyone who saw it will remember and treasure.

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