I’m saddened to read that the father of “Sweet Caroline” and “Cracklin’ Rosie” will no longer be touring. If ever there were a time that we the people need Neil Diamond, it is now.
About a thousand years ago, I put myself through college by working as a production assistant for my university’s public events department—mostly music rock concerts. I worked 100 shows—R.E.M., The Who, The Grateful Dead, Sting, Tina Turner, the weeks-long U2 concert/film production of “Rattle and Hum” and the most memorable show of all … Neil Diamond.
When I was 20 years old, I was offered a job on the Neil Diamond tour. I considered it for all of a split—”Yes! Yes, when do I start?” I was a grunt working for the contracted caterer, but the job didn’t matter. Unworldly young me was going on the road with NDRRT—the Neil Diamond Road Racing Team.
Neil Diamond brought people together. He drew not just huge crowds, but huge, diverse crowds. Neil Diamond has a universal appeal unlike anything I had ever experienced at any other concert. From little girls to old dudes. Every race. Every religion. Everybody.
Show nights were beautiful, uplifting events which I soaked in. With my all-access backstage pass, I’d sneak out and stand in audience aisles, not to watch the show, but to watch the crowd. To this day, I’ve never seen such a large variety of joyful faces united in one long sing-a-long.
So now, in the midst of all the anger and ugliness and division in the country, just when we need him most… Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show is dropping his tent for good.
I’m going to be 50 in September. As I look back at my years so far, those few months with the Neil Diamond tour are a bright patch on my life’s quilt. I was so lucky to experience that live, energizing, feel-good juju melding all those assorted ticket-holders. I’m sorry no more masses of masses will get to experience these events. However, we can feel that all-embracing warmth forever in Mr. Diamond’s recordings.
Now, turn off CNN or Fox and go play “Sweet Caroline” as loud as your neighbors will let you and sing along.
Just another fan in the crowd
