Neil Diamond O2 Arena gig review: He should swap arenas for venues with more forgiving acoustics
The problem is - he cannot sing sing or move anything like he used to
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Your support makes all the difference.Neil Diamond's live shows in the 1970s were legendary - infused with his colourful beaded tops, shaking hips and fully-felt crescendos.
This is exactly what a packed O2 arena was clamouring for, at this 50th anniversary tour show.
The problem is at 76 – Mr Diamond can no longer sing or move anything like he used to.
Songs were slowed down with some key lyrics handed over to his backing singers. It proved tough to sing along due to the change in pace and omissions of key chorus lyrics [A key component of any arena gig].
Just over halfway through - instead of an understandable interval, he introduced the 11 members of his backing band, asking each of them perform a short solo, inspiring a dulling of atmosphere that saw many fans heading to the bar and the toilets.
His back catalogue is undeniably tremendous and his 25-song setlist didn’t omit any of the big classics. Particular highlights for the crowd where he was able to keep the tempo up included "Forever in Blue Jeans", "I’m a Believer" and "Red Red Wine".
The three-song encore started with Sweet Caroline - allowing his fans to takeover the song and do what he can no longer – raise the roof.
His performance could not match those by equally mature artists such as Dolly Parton, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen, who can all sing and dance as hard and as long as they did in their mid 30s.
Diamond should leave arenas for smaller venues with more forgiving acoustics.
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