Neil Diamond in Toronto: Live Review
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Artist:
Ever since I've kept both as guilty pleasures. In fact, both artists songs were played at my wedding reception ("The Gambler" and "Sweet Caroline" respectively).
That's why I was excited when Library Girl and I took my mom to see Neil Diamond at the Air Canada Centre last night.
Diamond looked pretty good for a man in his late 60s. His voice was strong too. He also had more witty banter and a audience interaction that I did not expect.
Backed by a 14-piece band, Diamond played an energetic set that pulled mainly from his hits, but sprinkled in a few songs from his latest album.
The ballads were a hit with the older set (which let's face it, was most of the audience). "I Am...I Said", "Play Me", and "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" were all played.
The crowd was surprisingly rocking. "Cherry Cherry" was the first number that had them on their feet. Not to be outdone, the throngs were swaying and jiving to "Kentucky Woman" and "Forever In Blue Jeans" too.
We were treated to a couple of surprises in the set. Diamond broke out "I'm A Believer" which he penned, but the Monkees really made famous. But it was his rendition of "Solitary Man" which did it for me. Diamond's delivery, while somewhat less morose than the Johnny Cash cover, was still dark and haunting.
Of course "Sweet Caroline" made an appearance. Well, two actually. The song was the most popular of the night and Diamond played it through, and then played a few more choruses for the crowd to sing along to.
The encore of "Cracklin' Rose" (the song that won for 'what will get stuck in my head as I go to bed tonight') and "Brother Love's Travellin' Salvation Show" sent the masses home (many on Wheel-Trans I'm sure) very very happy...including my mom.
8.0
Neil Diamond plays the ACC in Toronto tonight for another sold out show.
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