In 1972, Neil Diamond stepped onto the Greek Theatre stage and proved that one man with a guitar can control the pulse of five thousand people. This was the legendary night where a simple pop song turned into a soaring anthem of human connection.
In this performance of Sweet Caroline the music starts with those famous notes, and you can see the change in his eyes. He is sharing his soul with everyone. It is the strength that makes you want to stand up and cheer for him.
Sweet Caroline (Live At The Greek Theatre, Los Angeles/1972)
One viewer said that watching this feels like being young again on a warm summer night. Another fan noted that no one today can command a crowd with just a look and a baritone voice. You hear the brass instruments kick in and the whole world feels right for a few minutes.
That young man with the wild hair and the golden voice eventually had to face a different kind of stage. The cheering crowds of the seventies became a quiet room where he had to face a tough health battle. It is a new chapter where the music stays, but the man has changed.
Neil Diamond on Parkinson’s and “A Beautiful Noise” (CBS Sunday Morning Interview)
Now, he sits down to talk about the Parkinson’s disease that stole his ability to tour. He is honest about how hard it was to accept that his body would not follow his lead anymore. But even with a shaky hand his spirit is still made of music and grit.
Neil Diamond has always been a man who writes the soundtrack to our lives. From the big lights of the Greek Theatre to this brave interview he remains a true legend. Follow Neil Diamond on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to keep the music playing.