Diamond delivers ... one last time?

I guess it takes St Paul Pioneer Press to send a critic who gets it. This review nails it.

ugh! i didnt want to hear that, i have floor seat tickets for tonights show, i had hoped he would be as entertaining as he had been when i saw him years ago.

MELODY wrote:

ugh! i didnt want to hear that, i have floor seat tickets for tonights show, i had hoped he would be as entertaining as he had been when i saw him years ago.

Maybe Neil will read this review and perk things up a bit tonight!

Neil is still Neil. Don't let reviews - good or bad - sway you. Make your own conclusions after the show. Diehards that have posted on other ND boards are raving about the show last night.

Go and enjoy.

If your a neil fan u will love the concert,its like the new album give him a chance and u will LOVE the show....this is the first time in a long while he is traveling without his swettie and it may effect him...stage was not as impressive as in previous shows but serves its purpose....he's a great entertainer and u will have spent your $$$ well!

I am 35 years old and I grew up listening to Neil Diamond courtesy of my parents and grandparents. My husband and I went with my parents last night to the first show and I was SO impressed. I thought it was a fabulous show and had a wonderful time. For 67 years old, I am amazed by Neil's stamina and energy. I was struck by how the meaning of his songs have not diminished at all. You could see how much they still mean to him all these years later. I was really thrilled to see him and notice how young the crowd was. It was worth every penny and I would pay to see him again any day!!!If you can get a ticket, I can't recommend it enough!

Were we at the same concert last night? The "rousing, extended" song was Sweet Caroline, NOT Cherry, Cherry!!! Neil has never been better and the emotion from him was phenomenal. Those of you with tickets for tonight - go, relax, enjoy - Neil has improved with every year and every concert.

Yes, the extended song was Sweet Caroline. I also am 35 and this is the third time I have seen Neil. The first being at the Met Center in Bloomington back in 1987 (i believe it was '87). Last night's show was great. I thought "Love on the Rocks" was a little "rocky" but everything else, including "Forever in Blue Jeans" was just fine. I was disappointed he didn't play "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" but nonetheless, it still was an excellent show.

Except for the drunk women sitting behind us in Section 109, Row 15, Seats 10-14. If only they would have stopped talking for at least one song.

My first date with my husband was to see Neil Diamond at the Arie Crown Theatre in Chicago in July, 1972. Now thirty-six years later, we attended the Saturday evening show with our 19 year old son. Neil's music appeals to all ages. We were the most touched by the footage during both "Brooklyn Roads" and "America". I know Neil can't perform every song but we were disappointed he didn't include "Delirious Love" which was released on his "Twelve Songs" CD. I, too, felt this may be his final tour so I was eager to see him perform and was thrilled he included lesser known (but still well loved) songs like "Beautiful Noise" and "Play Me". The Jewish Elvis can still rock it at 67!!

Kudos especially to Chris Kelleher for the series of photos that really capture the mood and energy of a Neil Diamond show. Fine, fine shots especially on Full Screen mode.

Yes, a good review! The StarTribune's reviewer was completely off mark. Diamond Delivered and delivered powerfully. I'm glad I got to attend before he "won't sing any love songs anymore...." Having grown up listening to Neil, attending the concert was truly a capstone to my youth.

It is awesome to see a few of the comments from those in their 30's! I also grew up listening to Neil Diamond and I have seen him 6 times. The first concert was at the Civic center in St. Paul and I will always remember it! Neil is 67 and he still sells out shows! I looked around last night and what an awesome feeling it must be to see all of us singing along and dancing to his music after so many years. I love that Neil takes us back to the good old days! Thank you Neil!! I will be sad the day you stop touring!!!

I haven't read the review, just the comments. But, Cherry Cherry was also extended -- it was the song during which he introduced the band, a highlight of the evening for me.

sidhe wrote:

I haven't read the review, just the comments. But, Cherry Cherry was also extended -- it was the song during which he introduced the band, a highlight of the evening for me.

I was bummed out that Ronnie Tutt didn't get the applause I felt he deserved....I love him. I've watched him behind Elvis forever!!

Love on the Rocks no doubt is my favorite Neil Diamond song and Sunday Night's show was great.

Saturday nights concert was awesome. Every minute of the concert. I don't know how the people next too us sat like bumps the entire time. We danced to every song and Neil sounded fantastic. What a great night and worth every cent we paid for the tickets.

Fantastic, fantastic concert Sunday night. Brought back many memories of concerts past. Thank you Neil - you are still wonderful

neil diamond really did a great job on stage sunday night, i loved it. i think he saw the review and wanted to thumb his nose at the naysayers, it was great! he started out with some oldies, did some new stuff in the middle and really got the crowd going. he is an amazing entertainer and i was glad to see that he didnt stay center stage , he wanted everyone there to feel that he appreciated that they were there, he even commented to the side sections that are a little behind the stage, they actually made you pay for those seats?? it got a laugh.

i loved every minute of it and i would go again, we had floor seats and it was a perfect view. of course right before it starts Mr big head had to sit in front of me but my husband switched with me so i got to see his face.. LOVED IT!

i love you Neil!!!

Neil Fan wrote:

Saturday nights concert was awesome. Every minute of the concert. I don't know how the people next too us sat like bumps the entire time. We danced to every song and Neil sounded fantastic. What a great night and worth every cent we paid for the tickets.

Saturday was awesome and I felt sorry for the bump on the logs next to me because I was on my feet for all of the fast songs.....Neil rocks....