OPENING - Neil Diamond 50th Anniversary World Tour - 8/12/2017 at The Forum

August 12, 2017
The Forum
Inglewood, California
- In My LIfetime
- Cherry, Cherry
- You Got To Me
- Solitary Man
www.ocregister....
Neil Diamond’s exhilarating concert at the Forum on Thursday night was the 34th time that he had performed at the venue, the most by any artist in the history of the arena.
But that impressive number - which will grow by one when Diamond wraps up the American leg of his 50 Year Anniversary World Tour there on Saturday - was only a side note to the famed singer-songwriter’s rousing performance before a sold-out crowd in Inglewood.
With no opening act and Diamond taking the stage at 8:30 p.m., this was a performance that never felt rushed, but went by far too fast. Over the course of 130 fast-moving minutes and two dozen songs, Diamond’s performance (where he was backed by a terrific 11-man band and two outstanding female backing singers) was the perfect retrospective to his celebrated career. This was yet another “Hot August Night” marked by joyful anthems, soft rock hits and introspective ballads introduced and delivered with a master’s touch. Although his songs have been recorded (and often yielded commercial hits) for artists ranging from Elvis Presley and the Monkees to hard rock pioneers Deep Purple, this was a night where the focus was on Diamond alone.
Diamond, 76, continues to sing with a voice that has the range and elasticity featured on his beloved recordings of the 1970s and ’80s. Highlights came early and often, from the Latin-tinged soundscapes that enveloped his warm baritone on “You Got To Me” and stirring take on his first hit “Solitary Man” (recorded in February 1966) adorned with a sonically rich soundscape created by acoustic guitars and four horns to a potent acoustic-styled “Play Me” that found the audience singing along in every chorus.
There was a cohesiveness and flow that blended the diverse mix of songs. Well-known hits such as “Red Red Wine ” (a mega-hit for UB40 in 1983), “Song Sung Blue,” “I’m a Believer” (a 1966 hit for the Monkees), “Forever in Blue Jeans” and “Holly Holy” would frequently be accompanied by the generations-spanning crowd clapping or singing along, or using smart phones to capture memories of the familiar favorites.
When Diamond delved into deeper cuts such as the rock-styled “Jungletime” or reflective “Brooklyn Roads” (a song he delivered to the visual accompaniment of a parade of images and old movies taken of his family while he was growing up in Brooklyn, New York), the audience was thankfully attentive and locked into the arc of the concert. There were obvious cheers when Diamond did a mini-set of tracks from his iconic “Hot August Night” 1972 live album, the standout being “I Am … I Said” that yielded an extended standing ovation.
No Neil Diamond concert experience would be complete without a spirited finale. This night offered that courtesy of a radiant “Sweet Caroline,” cheerful “Cracklin’ Rosie” and tribute to his immigrant grandparents’ journey to the U.S. more than 100 years ago, “America,” the latter capped with Diamond warmly telling the crowd “Thank you Los Angeles and God bless America.”

[@MicheleHuffman-d8c]

Have loved Neil FOREVER. I was 16 and my boyfriend (husband) and I used to play ONLY NEIL on the 8 track player in his car. I just turned 70 and I love him as much as I did then. I love all his songs because I know they came straight from his heart and his soul. When he came to Indy for this concert I couldn't go because my husband was in the nursing home with Parkinson's. I would have loved to have been there, but I just couldn't go without him. He had Parkinson's for 10 years and passed away in 2022. When I heard Neil was diagnosed with Parkinson's it broke my heart. I listen to his CDs in the car every day and watch his concerts on KZbin. LOVE YOU FOREVER, NEIL.💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖.

[@عينالعقل-ع3س]

مي يكون نعبيرك صادق قل احببت8 الى يومنا هذا نيل أما الاتي فعلمه عند الله عز وجل وجمع راسك الإله يرضي عليك😅؟!؟!!

[@siberangel]

Neil Diamond got to my soul when I was 14. I'm now 68 and he is and always will be the one who got to my soul with his music. Just love this man!

[@victoriachinavare5535]

God bless you Neil. You are wonderful. The best!💖

[@pambrook3377]

Hi there. Mmmmmm don't think I became a fan until say 1965 an avid fan I am I must say read my previous posts on Neil. And ull get to see what has driven him all these years. We can pray for Neil and any health issues he may be going thru

[@pambrook3377]

Don't u think he knows that mmmm. I'm sure he does have post heaps of comment s on Neil. All singing praises for the privilege of getting to know him thrru his writing talents his interruption of his writings. And his definitive voice. Love him heaps for sharing his emotions etc

[@brianshevlane8278]

Maam spot on wonderful join fellow humans on 2020 global Neil tribute

[@janicemaryjastrowski]

Me too

[@rhondadananay2106]

This was his 50th Anniversary concert…saw it in Chicago. He did not finish his tour due to his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. My husband died from Parkinson’s…not easy. Was so glad I got to see this concert…which would be his last. Ahhhhmazing singer,songwriter and actor. Went to Boston to see Beautiful Noise…the play telling his life story. Have been to at least 15 f his concerts…everyone absolutely perfection. He loves his audience and they love him back. Always gave 209%!🔥❤️💎

[@joangentile2731]

My husband and I saw Neil Diamond in concert twice in Houston. It was about ten years ago, when we saw him. He was excellent!! It was before his Parkinson's disease diagnosis. So sad. He's one of the best singers there is! I love his music!! I always will!! He's been around for a very long time. We all get old. Now, don't we?? No one lives forever. Just saying. God bless, Neil Diamond!! ❤

[@wadethurman2563]

Best musician alive.thank you for the music

[@judygardiner86]

Thank you I was 30 years old again…with sooo much life to live….Mmmm77 yrs old…what a ride🌺🌺💕

[@MrRodBelt]

I feel privileged that on Aug 10, 2017, I was among those who watch one of Neil Diamond's last live performances at the Forum - his 50th anniversary tour that turned out to be his last. Unbeknownst to many, this series is his 35th appearance and a record for the most performances by an artist at the Forum. I have pictures to prove it. I feel blessed to have followed his career and saw him a few times before - in NJ, NY, Philly, Las Vegas and the most memorable one: his 50th Anniversary Tour. GOD BLESS YOU, NEIL DIAMOND!

[@maddyL1234]

That voice...no one quite like him...an icon. I love the way he connects to his audience. So sad he got sick.

[@stevejames4396]

After seeing every UK tour for over 30 years I was so happy to have seen this 50th year show, especially as it proved to be Neil’s last tour.❤️❤️

[@janicemaryjastrowski]

Found him about 14 years old and I'm 65 now still love Neil diamond 💎💎💎

[@melindamorris3697]

Looks like this is the closest I will be to seeing this amazing man. Thanks for giving me this moment. Amen to you neil diamond.

[@diannegazzola1957]

Neil Diamonds concerts were electrifying you could not sit in your seat. I saw him several times and feel very priveledged to have had the opportunity. Neil I am a die-hard fan and miss seeing you.

[@sherrymaynard5588]

Sorry I never had the opportunity to see him in a live performance. I hope, in his retirement from concert touring, he will be writing and recording and we will hear more from Neil Diamond. Prayers for him as he struggles with Parkinson’s. ❤️🙏

[@stevencherlake9901]

He is amazing live!! Saw him twice!

[@carol1585]

🙏🏻

[@Lenameyerlandrut-2]

I have been a fan of Neil, since he came out with Solitary Man. Have all his music. Greatest singer of all time.. ❤❤❤❤

[@user-hh5rn4jz6o]

Saw him live. Once in a lifetime experience. His songbook is part of American history. What a talent. and a true gentleman.

[@annetteparry7711]

Have seen Neil twice through the years. A true legend. Sadly no more touring but he can still write wonderful music. Wishing him all the best with this illness. Ian Parry.

[@cherylwyatt909]

I have loved Neil Diamond for many years. You can see he enjoys performing and loves his audience. He is a real American treasure ! Bless him in his slow down. I look forward to future songs he writes. Cheryl

[@craigwilliams3312]

Still this Chicago boy's favorite singer! Voice voice voice! Always envious and worshipful of that man's voice! Looking forward to 50 more years!

[@richardmynderup6659]

Great video...my wife, son, and I got to see him around this time in San Jose. As a musician myself something felt out of place. Tempos seemed slower. Guitar chords not being played. It was only afterward when the news came out that he was retiring due to Parkinson's. A sad day indeed. Glad my son, who is now 13 was able to see him in concert. Thank you Neil Diamond for so many years of amazing music and musicianship!!

[@michelleformanski9875]

I have always enjoyed Neil diamond"s songs. My father did also. When dad heard Neil's songs. He would sing along. Neil. You are and always will be a " diamond" .

[@lorettatiberi1698]

I was lucky enough to attend this concert in Philadelphia. Little did we know it would be the last concert. We love you, Neil. Keep well.

[@wandellpassah8086]

All his songs come from the most beautiful heart of the soul that cares about the poor and marginalized of society This is the reason why my students of electronics had a computer graphics of him singing Song sung blue in the 76th a tribute to him

[@michaelpawlush9246]

Neil Diamond is not getting older he's just getting Better!

[@user-qo2wv7zj5o]

I saw Neil Diamond before he went to the big venues at the Troubador in Hollywood. It was 1969 and he was TERRIFIC and I was home on leave from the US. Army. I brought a girlfriend and I knew if I took her to see Neil Diamond she would be mine !! Best show in a small venue with only three back-up singers and he talked to the audience between songs ! He lit up the stage and crowd !!! He is still one of my all time favorites ! What a great talent !!

[@jenniepearson6070]

And was she.

[@donaldmarshall1409]

The sincerity by which Neil carries him self is admirable. He presents music as a treasure and appreciates the fortune of be able to entertain humanity.

[@tsawwassen]

Well said... I agree!

[@tobyh1999]

I was very blessed to see him 2 different times in St. Louis. Very professional show, the lights, sound everything.Very much worth the money spent. I would love to see him live again.

[@tonycarpenter-Makzimia]

I saw Neil live once in Vegas about a decade ago. It's a long time since this fan sat playing along with Hot August night album on my now deceased fathers record player. Still sounds amazing here. I am so sad his time is coming to an end, but what a legacy he's formed.

[@rosarioreside2993]

I love Neal Diamond he is one of the best singer Its really sad that he got Parkinson disease hope he is doing okay 🙏/ ❤️Ross

[@antoinettegiacci6731]

After 50 years still has that amazing voice!!!

[@katslat8410]

I HATE seeing him getting older, I've loved him for YEARS!! Great video BTW!!

[@adrianscadder6654]

Me too, but I´m sure one day he will sing with the angels and in paradise we will see him and he´ll sing forever....:-))

[@bettyvijver]

I was so lucky to be by his concert in Amsterdam (ziggo dome).The night of my life )!!!!!

[@whitsundaydreaming]

Most fans dont even know this but Neil held the record for the most consecutive soldout shows at this venue, back when it was the Great Western Forum. I got to attend one of them. Also saw him at the Greek in the mid 70s for his follow up to Hot August Night. He was my inspiration from way back.

[@RobertSJHu]

Aloha Neil Diamond and DNTuason !!!!!!! Thanks for posting this majestic 50th Anniversary World Tour. Am 78 yrs. old and have been a fan of yours since the early 1950's. Incidentally am one year younger than you and consider you to be my "older brother." I have been praying for you regarding your health condition !!!!!! I love all your songs especially, "The Story of My Life." As a rare diamond, your sparkling brilliancy brings much joy and happiness to people and the whole world !!!!! I have never been able to attend any of your live concerts. However, because of KZbin , I hear and sing along with you every single day at least five times daily. Your songs talk of love and life in our challenging lives !!!!! Because of you, your humane and human magnetism stirs my heart and soul. In fact my life has been blessed hundreds of time !!!!!!!!!!! Your humble fan now wishing you more joy and happiness forever. Me ke aloha pumehana, Robert S.J. Hu July 18, 2020.

[@SirBobMarley1]

50 years of a great musician that all his music covers all ages and his music all continue well after his passing timeless

[@eveforamerica1152]

Still unbelievable. Always my fave. My mother’s favorite too.

[@frankircher2981]

Neil is the best music I have ever heard. Hos legend lives on.

[@margaritaquiroz2824]

MY 88 YEAR YOUNG FANTASTIC BOSS TOOK ME TO SEE THIS FABULOUS MAN....THANK YOU BOSS...ALTHOUGH OUR FAYE COULDN'T MAKE IT...I'M GLAD THIS HAS BEEN SHARED TO SHOW OUR FAYE.....THAN YOU TO WHOM EVER POSTED THIS..!!!...ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING...I HAD THE BEST TIME IN MY WHOLE LIFEEEEEEE...THANK YOU BOTH BOSS N FAYE

[@marialiglesias1699]

A man his age and diagnosed with Parkinsons... he is really GREAT!! I love him and his songs since and still love him. May God bless him.

[@anitahuie1145]

Love him and his genteel ways. He made my life worth hearing. Neil diamond and Jeff Lynne. The two musical geniuses in my life. How blessed I am. I said.

[@1908great]

One of my fav singers. God bless you Neil Diamond.

[@gillianbergh7002]

In 2017, the highlights of the year was the Joint 60th/30th birthday party for my daughter and I, and going to Birmingham to see Neil Diamond, a few days later. I spent four wonderful days in that city, with my partner.

[@tsawwassen]

Sounds like a wonderful year!

[@patsychapman7169]

GOD bless Neil Diamond and keep him healthy and strong! He's a very special person!

[@marybenson3730]

Fantastic!! Got to love Neil. Even my grandchildren love Neil!!

[@ashleylandsberg3077]

FANTASTIC VOICE AND A LEGEND. LOVE NEIL DIAMOND.. HE IS A DIAMOND FOR SURE XXXX

[@kaygrigg6457]

ashley landsberg p1r

[@alwayssme]

we had 50 yrs of the most amazing talented singer, songwriter saw him once in Dc 13 yrs or so ago,,,,,

[@adrianscadder6654]

Lots of love, Neil and thank you for the tears I cried when I listened to your wonderful songs.

[@grahamsilverlock8125]

Thank you Neil Diamond for all the years of wonderful music can't thank you enough take care of yourself and God bless you and your family

[@elenewentzel610]

Wow what a concert Neil. Don’t you feel overwhelmed with all that people around you a unbelievable over full house! I also enjoyed it tremendously! ✨🌟👏👌

[@nancydorsey273]

I want to thank my partner in crime,. AMY MORGAN, she went to every Neil concert from 1984 to present with me. We had a blast .l think I could still out dance her. HA HA HA I started going to see him in 1968. He is absolutely the best singer of all time and good looking !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love my girl soooo much. Nancy Dorsey

[@karencorbin2167]

Prayers as he fights Parkinson’s! Awesome singer and entertainer!. He still has it for sure!!

[@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.🌼🌸🌹

[@patriciagraham2287]

Neil diamond, a blessing to humanity..thank you Neil for your music. One of the greats!

[@MarieClaireBeckx]

Great show, Neil 👏👏👏👏👏

[@jamistarbrite]

thank you it was a joy to see this. I have loved this man's music all my life .

[@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.🤗❤️💋

[@lynnohrel1318]

Always a fan! Love him and his music ❤️❤️❤️

[@mikkiwhitaker5718]

Neil was not only sexy cute but a awesome performer .I grew up on tons of his music . Rideing the roads in my 63 Corvair convertible .I'm 65now an still love his music..

[@almorkans3171]

His voice is still absolutely stunning,

[@HowardPaulblasingame]

Thanks for posting Neil's last show

[@robertsagers5355]

Howard Blasingame ever?

[@shilo901]

Special tour indeed; front row Madison Square Garden - 6/15/17. 50 years and still going strong.

[@tsawwassen]

Wow... Front row? Nice!

[@shilo901]

Very special given what we've recently discovered...so sad.

[@shilo901]

So much more special in light of his recent announcement.

[@musicmanthatlikesoldandnew7324]

When I hear cherry cherry in the background it makes me sad that I’m only 15 and I couldn’t see him in 1976 in Australia.

[@vickikaufman7613]

I am fortunate enough to have seen Neil in many concerts when he performed in N.Y. last concept I saw was in Jones beach on long island n.y. he has gotten me thru many, many me I'd and other tests. My late husband had Parkinson's disease. I wish Neil the same good care my husband had with the disease. He kept on going. Take your meds and be strong. I pray for you every day as I did for him. Keep on smiling and keep on singing. We love you. Remember, you kept us happy now it is our turn to make you happy. So much love.v

[@RudolphFurtado]

Grew up on "Diamond Music" and a "Diamond is forever ".

[@mijnkaasmijnkaas5402]

🇳🇱👍🏻

[@carol1585]

Absolutely

[@robertomaputi]

how could you hate a man who brought joy and happiness to millions of people through his beautiful songs

[@anavanegas557]

I love you Neil Diamond you are the best still looking good!!!

[@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.🤝🥰🌻

[@mustihanciorabai1363]

Best regards from my beloved Romania!

[@richardquan2108]

His music lives on forever!❤️🙏👀💕🇨🇦

[@juliehenry9470]

I have been thinking about you the other day because I saw the concert on KZbin you will always be my DIAMOND ALWAYS and FOREVER GOD BLESS you ❤ Neil I will always love you and you're songs for life THANK YOU

[@dianeshick809]

Pretty Amazing Grace. Been a fan forever.

[@romanvicentequesadasuarez5403]

The King of the Voice and soul

[@a.m.xdignidad3953]

Increíble, inmejorable, fantástico, Gracias Neil, tu música está viva y siempre siempre seguirá sonando.

[@ghostrider-ek8gu]

One of the all time greatest performers.!

[@garymanz5919]

It’s sad to see the greats age... I wish Neil could stay looking and sound like he did in 1972 forever.

[@BluesLicks101]

God bless Neil!

[@guardianangel138]

great post. ive seen neil in concert over a 1,000 shows loved every one of them. and i loved him ever since i was 6 yrs old im 52 now. the best.

[@barbarapeterson6836]

I will always love him! Praises for his great talent.

[@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.💐🌴🤍

[@marthalauraromero]

I was there, was Amazing!

[@jade8515]

He s aging like a fine red red wine😊

[@deborahchamplin9008]

I’m a Diamondhead from the very first time i heard him sing! If I was on a deserted island and could only have ONE music artist to listen to, it would be Neil Diamond! Love you forever Neil

[@gerritveldhuisen7748]

Gerrit Veldhuisen 5 dagen geleden Neil Diamond was in 1977, four days on Tour in Netherland.there were problems with the Hammond organ (110 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 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 ;-(

[@lauriechmielecki6576]

My son Jeremy played Neil Diamond for me on my 70 th Birthday!

[@diamondritav8865]

Thank you for this. I was there that night and HAN 1972 and 40th HAN in 2012.

[@patriciagallegos346]

lo mejor años que sigo su carrera y sigue cantando igual,me fascina ,un señor de la musica.

[@kimtofting7873]

God bless you Neil Diamond, I love you and your music. You are a perfect entertainer and not bad at acting either, I will always love you. I will listen to all of your albums forever

[@dennisbuzzini1781]

Missing his concerts already

[@johnnygavin3654]

Don't wait to see the artists you cherish. They (and you) won't be here forever!

[@rollingstone7929]

Great Neil Diamond !

[@debbietaylor1338]

I’m still frustrated by people talking through songs. I’m here to listen to a great singer not them.😒 Thanks for sharing this video. ❤

[@patriciajrs46]

Love Neil Diamond.

[@erinradke1860]

WOW He looks great! How old is he? His voice is still incredible. He is for sure a legend for so many generations.

[@thesilber1]

You’ve probably got the answer already but in the video he’s 76 years old. He’ll be turning 80 this year 2021)

[@ndhan72]

He is 81 now. He will turn 82 in January 2023.

[@williamjovalusky8904]

The greatest singer ever and I wish he could try to tour again

[@sheronjess1]

This is one of the best videos I've seen of his current tour. You captured the excitement and anticipation, and got some good closeups. I saw him in San Jose and he was awesome.

[@tsawwassen]

Thank you, Sherry! He really WAS awesome... and it seems like he can keep touring for many more years. His voice was fantastic and he's "still got it"!

[@ehnat0502]

Saw him in Sacramento Unforgettable xxxx love him

[@jamescrawford3582]

He is the king of rock and roll

[@stephenhastie2523]

Love Neil diamond song sung blue

[@debbiemorris8245]

Thank you for this video. I was way back and your video is a nice memory - this one and the other.

[@tsawwassen]

Thank you, Debbie. What an amazing show!

[@TheLittletrees]

My ultimate Hero ❤️

[@neildiamond6471]

Thank you so much for your comment and continues support I appreciate it, God Bless you and stay safe.

[@filomena46]

Neil está como el 🍷 Un grande de la música

[@katiuskacaamano3168]

Qué voz !!!!!!! Lo amo

[@brittamehrlein147]

Wish I could see and listen to him in Cologne/ Germany again ☺️ Neil Diamond , unforgettable icon 🥰

[@victoriachinavare5535]

Love you Neil always 💗

[@ellenterrell6489]

saw this great musical in Boston. One word describes it, FANTASTIC. Would see it again.

[@carolcole819]

I loved the Jazz Singer

[@goretti-canterburg-rainfor9813]

Prachtig, hier NEIL DIAMOND vol energie. Een mooi optreden. 😍🇸🇷

[@ildaortiz2658]

El mejor cantante americano de todos los tiempos, inteligencia tremenda para componer, letra, música arreglos, mis respetos, desde los 70,s mi favorito hasta hoy y comparto con mis nietos su música

[@normaherrera2664]

Me encanta, es grande!! es un gran cantante😀😀😚😚😚😚

[@esterbeckman3269]

To all te haters Neil Diamond has Parkinson's and this was his last concert I believe. He is not a drunk. that is rude. He is a legend.

[@clipperwiz1]

This was his last Usa concert at the Forum. i was there. He went to Ejurope after this but he quit before a scheduled tour of Australia.

[@anitahuie1145]

Thank you ester. They are just stupid teenagers.

[@elianapajama7056]

Yes, it's been confirmed that he does, in fact, have Parkinson's Disease and will only be writing songs as long as he's able.

[@marionwetzel4080]

clipperwiz1 was

[@edwardapana1127]

@@clipperwiz1 ⁸99 oil 9⁸

[@caroldcookpicozzi5570]

YOUR IN MY PRAYERS I HAVE WATCHED U FROM ONE STATE TO ANOHER NOW IN FL GOD BLESS