Neil Diamond Acceptance Unspeech RRHOF 2011

Neil Diamond accepts his induction to the RRHOF in classic Neil Diamond style

[@hitcharide1]

Got to give him credit, he's loyal as hell to the people who supported his music and career the most over the years. He knew as early as Hot August Night the dedication shown by his true fans and he never played the game, never sold out, and always played for the fans, not for the business or the suits. I have nothing but respect for the man who did it all his way and I figure he's entitled to dump a little on those who tried like hell to keep him down.

[@rhondaeverett8284]

ABSOLUTELY

[@jeikobulol1814]

So Neil Diamond let loose a couple of swear words, had few drinks and tired from a long flight Sydney to New York. Anyone who has done it knows what it feels like after probably the longest flght haul in the world when you touch down. He is so unpretentious and humble. Other than that what did he do wrong. Good on you Neil for being so human publicly once in a while. I thought you were fantastic. From an Australian fan who still loves you 45 years on.

[@bethany1014]

God I love him!!!! Exhaustion, jet lag, excitement and maybe a couple of drinks will even make a ROCKSTAR a little goofy! Oh "and I'm not a man who likes to swear.." except for when I'm inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame!!!!! hahaha! Rock On Neil!!!!! xoxoxo

[@MarieClaireBeckx]

I ♥️ the way Neil talks his mind! He is a real honest guy 😍

[@noahmills.6643]

Thanks for being a fan!! I just wanna appreciate you in particular for being a fan and you should keep supporting me it brings me so much joy that I'm able to put smiles on your faces and hearts.💖🌸🌹

[@hanafri8]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with him,just a bit of well deserved sarcasm from him towards all the people who did not recognize his talent for so many years! He did it on purpose and was enjoying every minute of it!! The remarks about the $3000 tickets and the "too much money" is so true! He was just honest! Bravo for Neil! He was fantastic!!

[@frankbartosek1251]

L LL K By

[@teresadbrownbrown3785]

Amen

[@karinpaesold4734]

Er hat so recht, Geld ist nicht alles und die Menschen sind inzwischen so vergiftet davon, schrecklich 😢immer mehr und mehr und mehr.... Er sagt immer, er habe genug Geld, er braucht nicht mehr... Love, love, love, seine Botschaft❤❤❤... Ich denke, er hatte etwas getrunken 😂😂😂

[@shaza7657]

Good to hear paul simon speaking the truth

[@thechangeling11379]

Neil Diamond is the best, he's funny as hell too...I seen him in concert back in 2002 and it was like listening to one of his albums, truly amazing talent. No matter what people say about his songs, he obviously connects with many of us music lovers out here. Congrats Neil, you deserved this a long ass time ago brotha'.

[@teresadbrownbrown3785]

Agree

[@afftongrown6445]

I have been to a few of his concerts in Chicago and Missouri. I was really surprised to see fans from their early teens to their late 80’s or early 90’s. He has touched the heart of so many with his music.

[@ruthmcadam]

I saw this post for the first time. I roared with laughter! He got some digs in on the money people of the music industry who dislike him because he refuses to relinquish the rights and the control of his music to them except on his terms. They can't make him a puppet. Meanwhile, I thought this shows him to be just a human being like all of us, and like any diamond, multifaceted. I am still as always...a dedicated admirer; the music and the man.

[@BrandonTube88]

I'm only 23 and Neil Diamond is still my favourite singer

[@qdog568]

I'm a hard rocker and love Neil Diamond!! About Fucking time. And RUSH finally this year!!!

[@Susie196921]

His personality is so typical Brooklyn New Yorkese. One of the most talented songwriters and musicians of all time!

[@jasonatkins6926]

He loves the working men and women.I know he's tired but he's a great guy.

[@dixie17084]

He was tired and maybe a little high, but still a great guy. He's absolutely right about many artists who should be in and aren't. But glad he is in, a soulful person.

[@survivrs]

Nobody who loves him will ever stop loving him. I love his sense of humor.

[@Rousian]

This is the absolute best speech ever!

[@tomb.2632]

Way to go Neil! So he had a few drinks after a long plane ride. Who cares? When i first saw him in concert at the Greek Theater in 1972 he had an edge to him that most people haven't seen. He's usually Mr Nice Guy but I'm happy to see that he still has that edge. Long over due award!

[@tonyp6076]

THANK YOU... GOOD FOR HIM.. HAD A FEW DRINKS.. HE NEVER DRINKS WHEN HE PERFORMS.. NICE TO SEE HIM HAVING A GOOD TIME

[@scottymcnabb4947]

Awesome that you were there! I wish it had been filmed. My favorite album of his, my dad had it when I was a boy. I was only two when it was recorded. I hope Love at the Greek gets a redux as well. My folks took me to see him in 1982 and the tickets were only $12.95 each! I took them to see him in 1993 after four years in the Army, the tickets then were about $40 each.

[@afftongrown6445]

Funny to hear him cursing.

[@roseblake5803]

@@afftongrown6445- First time I’ve heard him curse in my whole life. I loved it 🥰

[@eiceprincess]

Neil has a great sense of humor! Keeping it real Neil!

[@mary.gcarpenter1490]

MY FAVORITE SINGER MY ENTIRE LIFE, AND THAT'S BEEN A LONG TIME. LOVE HIM.

[@lauravnoort2377]

Me too,a lovely men also

[@gailcrowley2195]

The man is beyond explaining.......can anyone begin to understand what his life is about standing all by himself so many times in front of thousands of fans.....no room for error or backup.....totally him......after watching this .....love him a thousand times more.....the songs .... the performances.....how does he write these masterpieces over and over again....a gift from heaven..... no question!!!!!!!!!

[@noahmills.6643]

Thanks for being a fan!! I just wanna appreciate you in particular for being a fan and you should keep supporting me it brings me so much joy that I'm able to put smiles on your faces and hearts.💐🌬️

[@susanlawrence8401]

👏👏 ABSOLUTELY!! Just him - his name and him alone Bravo Neil!!

[@afftongrown6445]

No doubt, he has been blessed with great talent, and most importantly, has remained humble.

[@dr.fritzfassbender]

Drunk, Jet Lagged, Pissed-Off, I Don't Give a Shit!!! This Remains One Of The Best "I Am, I Said" - I Don't-Give-A Fuck, RRHOF Speeches Of All Time. Neil Was Rolling That Night And He Deserves To Have That Moment!

[@tonyp6076]

FUCK ya!

[@gailcrowley2195]

Love love love this man.......the best acceptance speech ever........no one comes close to his talent .....voice.....charm and fabulous wit!!!!!!!!

[@bushbasher85]

Neil Diamond.....the only man Chuck Norris can't defeat.

[@DTgirl83]

This comment wins the internet.

[@ambsat]

Best RARHOF acceptance speech..Ever. From one of the very best, period. Prolific songwriter. Electric performer. Beautiful soul. Humble. National Treasure. I’m one of “his people”, forever.

[@FrancieDeBeer]

It's a really, REALLY, long commute. This is about how delirious we were the first time we arrived in Emerald, QLD, to be greeted at the airport by my husband's new boss!. It didn't go well. LOVE this Unspeech! LOVE Neil even more! Happy to be home in New Jersey! .. and just for the record, everyone in Oz uses the F word about every other phrase... Can't blame the guy.

[@leannemayor5755]

Oh that is why his fans love him . I went to his concert over twenty yrs ago and I wanted to go to his last tour here but I was in hospital . I adore Neil thank you for your incredible music xoxo

[@rockintotheeighties1]

This is great! Neil Diamond has given us such great songs over the years, he can be anyway he wants! He's genuinely honest and very much a gentleman...

[@Rhythmattica]

im the guy that drove him around for a week when back in Sydney.....What a guy. Legend .

[@gerritveldhuisen7748]

Neil Diamond was in 1977, four days on Tour in Netherland.there were problems with the Hammond organ (110Volt America-Europe 220 Volt) I'm approached by Lou van Rees Management for a solution to my Hammond Rent.After four days I got my B3 Hammond returned with Fire spots of Cigarettes.It frustrated me.They have me removed me from the Neil Diamond Fan Club because I had this listed on their site.Never Excuse of Neil Diamond

[@Rhythmattica]

​@@gerritveldhuisen7748 Well Thats a complicated issue.... Neil wouldn't be handling the Fan Club, nor the Backline hires, nor would he of possibly known of your situation..... Not saying you have no reason to be pissed off, and in 77 , I imagine the tour party wasnt as excessive as today, but management, Tour Manager, Production manager generally are the ones that by default, their job is to make it as transparent as possible to the "Artist". The less he deals with, the more work they get. Sycophants...Sycophants everywhere.

[@gerritveldhuisen7748]

@@Rhythmattica Thanks for the reaction ;-)

[@gerritveldhuisen7748]

Neil Diamond was in 1977, four days on Tour in Netherland.there were problems with the Hammond organ (117 Volt America-Europe 220 Volt) I'm approached by Lou van Rees Management for a solution to my Hammond Rent.After four days I got my B3 Hammond returned with Fire spots of @t frustrated me.They have me removed me from the Neil Diamond Fan Club because I had this listed on their site.Never Excuse of Neil Diamond ☹️🎹'

[@Rhythmattica]

@@gerritveldhuisen7748 "Excuse of Neil Diamond ☹️🎹'" Are you saying Neil told them to remove you?

[@robertm7889]

I always thought he was a great artist a fantastic singer songwriter...somehow snobby a-holes thought it was somehow cool to dismiss him. Thus the sarcastic funny speech. He should have been inducted WAYYYYYY ahead of a lot of people so many great tunes covered by so many great artists. Loved him before this speech love a ton more. God bless you Neil diamond.

[@davelindstrom6005]

"Hot August Night" is probably THE most iconic album EVER produced by and/or for any artist EVER!!!!!!! I love you, Neil! I've loved you ever since HAN came out when I was 3, and I always will!

[@peternorton892]

they got the message, all his pompous detractors that have missed out on all the great music they could enjoy instead of looking down their expert noses so long! But what a way to deliver the message - buckets of humour and biting sarcasm to die for. More of this please - dump the Nice Guy image, it's blunted your edge, time to get it back!

[@johnjohn-ne8fw]

A genuine all around good guy. Cheers to you for who you are and what you are.

[@BummedOutBen]

I love this man and his music! Nothing more needs to be said.

[@toddbedusek4137]

Finally got to see him live a few yrs back,beyond amazing,one of the greatists song writers of all time period and he truly as a great admeration for his fans .Never swears on stage,lets the music do the talking,love his sense of humor here,and his kick back attiude .Rnr hall of fame seems pricy and he called him out on that,basically he was trying to say his ticket prices are reasonable for the fans to see him and these prices are outrageous.Neil diamond is a class act and his music is timeless and will be loved for generations to come . Been a fan since childhood,if you get a chance pick up stages its a five disc set that came out in 2002,all live material from 1970 till 2002,plus a live dvd with back stage footage.A must have for neil diamond fans.

[@jeikobulol1814]

Loved it. Great to see him so chilled out. Loved Neil Diamond since the early 70s. Awesome talent. Come back to effing Australia again.

[@qasion]

One time I heard one time Julio Iglesias talking about him, " my dear friend Neil Diamond thinks this is hot", I wonder why the 2 never got together for a duet, we could only imagine.

[@steelersfan7238]

Well done, Neil Diamond!! You have waited much too long for this moment!!! You can tell he really enjoyed this moment!!

[@victoriachinavare5535]

You are a real American treasure. We love you too Neil. Not only in Australia do they love you we love you always and forever. I pray for you always. God bless you Neil.🌹

[@poozybear]

I love him. Great clip. Thanks so much for sharing. And for those who say he doesn't belong in the RRHOF because he's a pop star, long before the beaded shirts and Streisand duet he was very much a rock star. This man brought us amazing songs like "Solitary Man," "Shilo," and "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon," which was covered to perfection and used in one of the greatest scenes in motion picture history, the Uma Thurman overdose in "Pulp Fiction." So yeah, he's earned his place, and then some.

[@teresadbrownbrown3785]

Yes

[@YmcaMaine]

I loved him 45 years ago and he is still on the top of my list. Waiting for you to return back to Maine. I saw you 11 years ago and my heart beats faster each time I review the memory of seeing you in person. I took my 9 year old twin grandsons and they liked you at there age. God Bless and keep singing! .

[@acdcking123]

I love this man!! Cussing and all. Love it.

[@driloc]

Rolling Stone interviewed him early '90's. His explanation was he didn't know what he was musically! Just his inclusion in The Last Waltz should prove his status among rock peers! And kudos for him mentioning acts IGNORED by rrhof...The Monkees, Gram Parsons, Thin Lizzy etc.....he is a class act and always will be!

[@lezbounin2289]

Add Three Dog Night to that list. They’ll never be inducted, though we sing their songs consistently.

[@debbiegould5663]

SO DESERVED AND WAY TOO LONG COMING. HIS LOYAL FANS KNOW HIS TALENT AND RESPECT HIM EVEN MORE AFTER THIS SPEECH. DEBBIE

[@patricklipski1662]

Now I'm even a bigger fan of Neil Diamond...tell it like it is

[@daybreak74]

One of the very best speeches...good for him. Now retired and he is still loved beyond measure.

[@toddbedusek2780]

Neil diamond is one of the greats , this is was long over do ,should of been here in the ninteyts .I finally got to see him live in 2013 at Milwaukee's summerfest great show , the guy still has it m my only compliant was that the show wasn't long enough , but that's what's happens with as many records as he has made and as many hits he has .he did play alot of songs bc there are very short songs ,I would love to see him again and here some songs from home before dark or even 12 songs .

[@timothyferris3382]

Great rock and roll speech,love The Diamond!!!

[@MK-bj5uo]

Best acceptance speech ever

[@bishopaz]

this is why we the people love him so much. he is so real.

[@rslitman]

On June 8, 1966, I was watching "Wing Ding", an "American Bandstand" type of show in DC. This guy wearing a 10-gallon hat and playing guitar came on and sang this song about Belinda and Jim and Sue that I'd been hearing on the radio. At the end of the song, the show host asked the guy what state he was from. I figured it would be Texas or Oklahoma. But he said he was from the state of Brooklyn. I didn't know his name then, but I know it now, and he's still from the state of Brooklyn!

[@forgottencas2272]

Brooklyn isn't a state.

[@jordan04n]

Yes, Neil knows that we have always loved him....as for RRHF...they have a funny way of showing love....

[@survivrs]

At 1:09 I have to ask, "are you still there tree people????" from either Hot August Night or Love at the Greek, both incredible albums. I made my albums so gray from listening over and over and over again. He deserved this! He deserved it a long time before he finally got in! How can you not love the guy, my first musical love! He'll be in my heart forever!

[@BradfordGuy]

Hot August Night "Tree People Out There... God Bless Ya, I'm Singing to You Too!" My all time favorite Neil Diamond album.

[@larrypower8273]

Hot August Night. I have listened to it most of my life.

[@survivrs]

Brad and Larry, thanks for your replies, obviously I never saw them until now. About an hour ago, I played HAN and got to listen to that hilarious conversation. So many musicians have made my life what it is, and ND was one of the first. During long summer nights, as an early teen, I would sit in my room sketching while listening to Neil Diamond. I had headphones so I could crank the volume without my parents getting pissed off. I'd have gotten my butt spanked if I had used that phrase back then, but that was the very early 70's. Now, Neil is dropping his tour due to Parkinson's, and like the other celebrities we've lost in recent years, this year Tom Petty and Glen Campbell, sorry, meant last year, and Glen was someone I loved as well, but my library of music has so many artists, and I feel like those of us who lived from the 60's through the 80's really got a lot of GREAT music. Now it's just meh.......with an occasional good song here and there, but I like going back to what makes me happy. I would definitely love to be one of the tree people. I noticed on the video from New Years Eve, as he sang, part of the time, I could see the mic shaking in his hand. I didn't know if it was from the bitter cold or the Parkinson's. It's hard to let go of these great musicians, but like them, we aren't getting any younger.

[@davelindstrom6005]

@@BradfordGuy - I'm singing FOR you, too! (not TO you) Mild correction, there! No offense intended, though! LOL

[@jennymccauslan6313]

😂 Love you and your trophy was overdue and well deserved. Congratulations!!!

[@callevatown]

Great video. Thanks for sharing this it puts Neil in a whole new light. He sure told them!!!

[@richardbetz5531]

Never seen or heard Neil like this before lol.

[@tenniscollector]

@asianwomansl I don't think he was on drugs. Just wanted to "stick it up" the R n R hall of fame powers that be (those who voted him NOW and not 15-20 years ago). He even made the point that there are still more arists yet to be inducted. In that context, I think Neil is a champion. What's your fave Neil Diamond CD ?

[@sharonwinkormando6909]

I think maybe a little tipsy.

[@SabzisherbsDotCom]

That’s the most relaxed and carefree I’ve seen him 🥰

[@jeffreypattie7150]

Can't believe I missed this!!! You helped me thru rough years brining so much joy that has lasted thru out over 60 years!!!

[@marilynlevey3945]

Always my LEGEND🎉 love you Neil, always will, God bless you Katie, take good care of him, he's precious 🤗🙏❤️

[@martharogers9173]

My favorite singer ever.

[@noahmills.6643]

Thanks for being a fan!! I just wanna appreciate you in particular for being a fan and you should keep supporting me it brings me so much joy that I'm able to put smiles on your faces and hearts.🍁💋🤍

[@victoriachinavare5535]

It would be wrong if he wasn't inducted into the rock and roll hall of Fame. I think nobody deserves it more than Neil 💎.God bless you Neil your band and family. 🌹

[@MrPernell27]

The man just came back from an 18 hour flight. Give him a break. If he was drunk, so fucking what!! This man has written more great songs than almost anyone in the history of music. He's Neil fucking Diamond. He can do and say whatever the hell he wants. It is kinda crazy though that he talks about people having too much $$. He's supposedly worth about 200 million. Saw him live a few years ago. Great damn show!!

[@sellaholding9205]

From his Biggest fan in Canada!! about time they gave you what they should have years ago Bravo Mr. Diamond!! I still can hear you!! A frog you said!!

[@daybreak74]

He had been on a plane for hours and had no idea where he was. But, he sure was having a good time. His family sure fit right in with the laughter. He just plane didn't care. I loved it when he was taking picture's...wonder how they turned out????😅❤❤❤❤

[@hitcharide1]

Frankly, he could have stepped out and told the entire crowd to fuck off and I'd have been content. 45 fucking years, damnit...it wasn't right. The man is a fucking legend, he STILL sells out in concert (and who else does that after that many years,) and he should've been inducted a hell of a long time ago. Kudos to him for accepting an award that I frankly think he's too good for..especially considering some of those who've gotten it for so damned little.

[@MrSmokeydog]

Certain musicians fall into the category of true entertainers. Sammy Davis Jr was known as "The Great Entertainer" and Wayne Newton is "Mr Entertainment" or " Mr Las Vegas". and Neil Diamond is from that school when he puts on a show. He makes sure that he gives a stellar performance and that everyone is thrilled with the show.

[@ExtremelyLegit]

bout damntime!!

[@melodyszadkowski5256]

I LOVE the cell phone thing!!! His way of sending the love back to "his people."

[@4timesnow318]

"Song Sung Blue" - one of Neil's best rock and roll hits.

[@steelersfan7238]

Great person. How did it take him 20 years to be voted in?? He is a legend!!

[@jujamb89]

This is Neil on 24 hours jet-lag and a few cocktails..... Neil is a legend, he is better than Neil YOung.

[@reneekwiatkowskijellybean5446]

What an awesome speech. Love you Neil Diamond, have since the beginning. Congratulations 🍾 on your induction

[@thewrightfamily369]

Love him! Looking good!

[@noahmills.6643]

🌾🌴

[@dawnconner9209]

Best speech ever!

[@demonspeedracer]

So cool.... such an awesome person

[@carolgonyon3668]

holy crap........this was a shocker. Katie didn't look to happy Oh well this shows he is a real person just like the rest of us, he had a rough day however, he is still number 1 in my book this was a little rough to watch, but still a brilliant artist and fantastic singer, we all have one of those days, love ya Neil

[@titasantiniE]

Yeah Neil! Thank Gawd for his honesty....jet lag, and booze. Love Neil. Long live Neil!

[@jordan04n]

Thanks for dragging me along....it has been a journey...

[@jessypetra]

he is sure drinking, but he had so many songs production, that im all forgiven, he have a so beautiful voice, that we all his fans, long live neil

[@razorbladeteam]

Yeh we seen him in sydney fucking australia, a couple of days after this video. What can i say fucking fantastic

[@mydogchum5863]

I love Neil Diamond!!!!!

[@rosnerge]

Oh man...definitely party time beforehand. .love it!!!So deserved, so late to be awarded..

[@stevedrums1675]

I took my mother to see him some years ago and I actually enjoyed it. Not a huge fan of his, but his body of work speaks for itself.

[@mrbobevans]

Paul and Neil - what amazing legends.

[@spitman46]

I LOVE YOU NEIL!

[@SuperAtlantis1]

A legendary performer

[@jeffreypattie7150]

Emotional and senior moment, I was eleven..just lost my beloved grandpa, was my grandma who bought me myfirst 45, you look and still are fckn amazing first! Like greatest champagne ur music gets even better with time. Love ur still touring,and spreading the love. Ur speech so fckn real and funny. Lastly the songs that attach to our loved one I believes are keys to the heavenly real..esp those given and played by those we loved and lost. Ty again..2011 A.F.T!!!

[@victoriachinavare5535]

Neil my favorite singer songwriter presented by another favorite singer Paul Simon can't get any better. 🌹♥️🙏

[@Sharsung]

Neil fucking Diamond! Loved that speech. He could have been a comedian.

[@noahmills.6643]

Thanks for being a fan!! I just wanna appreciate you in particular for being a fan and you should keep supporting me it brings me so much joy that I'm able to put smiles on your faces and hearts.🌹🌸❤️💋

[@snowwbball]

neil diamond good looking now as always thanks for the video

[@MrMazins1]

Neil is a legend!

[@iamtheralwus]

Haha! Maybe one too many drinks on the 20 hour flight. Still, not bad for 70. Congrats Neil!

[@dublinedd1]

thanks for posting this first time i have seen it brilliant though his speech was spot on or non speech ha

[@acdcking123]

Love this man

[@titasantiniE]

Neil is awesome. Funny as hell.

[@rpggyr]

Couple of things. He is 70 years old. He said he has been flying for 26 hours. Most likely jet lag, exhaustion, and one or two drinks would have this effect put all those things together and he would appear to be a bit tipsy. He kept making the comment about the three thousand dollar seats, and his people can't afford that. He cares about his fans. Neil marches to the beat of his own drum. He never forgot his roots. He has and always will be the solitary man.

[@SweetCarolinedotcom]

Wonderful video! Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@monicacox4998]

I LOVE you Neil! pour me a drink & I'll tell you some truths! in vino veritas

[@kassidyhill2327]

Way to go Neil, congrats you earn it, The very best.

[@juliegonzaga6625]

So humble...so hu man...my favorite singer/songwriter Neil Diamond forever in my heart..God bless..this is yr 2022

[@BlinDefender]

Now that's the way to accept an R & R Hall of Fame induction!

[@mb3au]

Neil had just flown from Australia where he had been touring.. He was jet lagged and tired. To the people slagging him here. He wasn't drunk or high on drugs. Neil is not usually like this. He is a quiet sensitive man. He probably regrets how he was here. But look at the facts first you haters. He is one of the best songwriter and performer in the last 50+ years. Give him some slack.. He flew back to Australia the next day to continue his tour