It would be so easy to fill the headline and story about May 2nd’s Saddledome appearance by Neil Diamond with cliches. Diamond Sparkles perhaps. Or Neil Diamond mines the hits. They kind of write themselves; we are talking about the man who wrote what is probably the biggest karaoke and piano bar sing along tune of all time, "Sweet Caroline". But slipping into cliches, in many ways, would be a disservice to both the legendary performer himself and the show.
This was my first Neil Diamond concert, but he has been through Calgary many times over his five-decade career. For many in the audience it was likely one of many Neil Diamond concerts they have seen. When the lights went down and Diamond appeared, they roared and sang along to "I’m a Believer", "Love On The Rocks" and "Girl You’ll Be A Woman Soon". There was a familiarity between the audience and the singer that not many artists have: a connection to simpler times. I often connect with bands I see based on memories of growing up to their music and, while I know many of Diamond’s hits, they didn’t have the same influence on my life as they did many in the audience, but I could tell that the feelings I have when I see those that represent my life were definitely in the faces of those that have grown up singing "Forever In Blue Jeans".
The show did have an element of ‘Vegas showman’, but there is nothing wrong with that. It didn’t come off cheesy. In fact, Diamond can still outperform and connect in ways that younger bands simply cannot or do not. Backed by a horn section, talented backup singers and a solid band, the spotlight still focused on Diamond who, at 74, simply moved about the stage, seemingly trying to make eye contact with everyone. A parade of hits marched its way through the two hour show – "Kentucky Woman", which was added as a fan request on twitter prior to the show, "Red Red Wine", complete with the rap portion, and many more songs and memories played out on stage. Even songs from his new album Melody Road were well received, particularly "Brooklyn Roads", a song about growing up in New York, complete with pictures and video clips from growing up.
One of the highlights was a stripped down and beautiful cover of Joni Mitchel’s "Both Sides Now", which he played in tribute to the ill Alberta-born singer/songwriter. In a show filled with glitz it was a genuine and touching moment.
As for that song, of course it was there in the encore. For some artists, a song that becomes so played and ingrained in the public conscience could become reviled . For 36 years he’s had to sing it – probably thousands of times – yet there was no sign of any distaste. Diamond embraced the fan sing along, encouraging the audience to sing the "ba ba ba" and "So good! So good! So good!" that has become such a part of the song. When you have sold over 125 million albums, and can still fill arenas and tour constantly, you know what your audience wants. In this, Neil Diamond delivered.
It is remarkable that at an age when most are retired Neil Diamond can still put on the show that he did, and release new albums instead of just going on nostalgia tours. While the show may not have had the impact or power on me that it did on the audience members, I walked out with an understanding of why he has been so successful for so long and am glad I got the chance to see him at least once. He is one of those artists that should be on everyone’s ‘I’ve seen them’ list.
