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"It all began in...........". Funny, that these few words are what I
remember the most clearly after experiencing Neil in concert in
Vancouver, Canada in 1976. That concert was the realization of a dream
that I'd had for 10 years. Of course I grew up with Neil's music and
often wondered what he was like in concert. So, being younger and
somewhat foolish I set out with $40.00 and a rusty old Corolla and drove
the twelve hundred miles to Vancouver to get the chance to see him in
concert. I was by myself for that journey but I was not alone. The
eight-track played endlessly Hot August Night, the Rainbow album and a
stack of others that were always within easy reach. I was a solitary man
on a great adventure. I left Vancouver immediately after the concert and
drove the twelve hundred miles back to my small town in the middle of
the great plains of Canada. To this very day I cannot remember much
about the concert except being carried away to a place I'd never been.
At times I wish I could remember more. The faces, the lights, the band,
the stadium are all a blur but I know the feeling is embedded in my soul
forever. Two years later, I married my home town sweetheart and another
journey began.
Twenty-three years later at the age of 44 my loving wife and sweetheart presented me with a birthday present that was given out of true love. A ticket to a Neil Diamond concert in Vancouver, Canada, August of 1999. This time I would not have to drive. She also presented me with an airline ticket and said "go see Neil. I will not go with you, this is my gift to you." During the flight to Vancouver I swore to myself that I would remember everything. This time I would pay attention to details. I would be able to tell my wife everything and share the experience. This time I would not forget. 
But, a funny thing happened at the concert. I remember the lights
dimming, the music starting, Mr. Diamond walking onto the round stage
and finally the sound of his voice. That's about it. Everything else is
gone, vanished into the recesses of the heart and soul. All that remains
is the feeling of being carried away to a place I'd never been- except
once before, twenty three years ago.
And, as I write this letter I find myself wanting to say more but words can never articulate such a deep feeling. Mr Diamond touches each one of us differently. That is the power of his music, his personality and his presence. Our experience with him is personal and unique and I suspect Mr. Diamond feels the same way. I hope again to hear those words, "It all began.....". Next time I am taking my wife and kids. John fitzgerald.fam@sk.sympatico.ca 6-20-00 |
Like vintage "Red Red Wine" the man keeps on getting better. Thank you for providing a memorable soundtrack "In My Lifetime" Sherrie 6-17-00 |
Thanks for always being there for me.... good times and bad. I started listening to Neil Diamond when I was in elementary school. I've found I can relate and feel what is in his songs and music. He'll always be my favorite. Diamond girl, Sharon 6-14-00 |
I was revisiting Toni's site as I do frequently, and I realized what Neil's
music says about me and does for my soul, mind and heart. For over thirty
years now I have been a devout Neil fan. It is hard to put into words what I
feel with his music. First I get chills to my very soul, then I always tear
up and cry a few tears. Why? Because of the feeling he wrenches out of me,
the deepest most intense feelings almost like I've been reborn. I guess that
is why he has been there for me throughout life and my devotion to him is
unchanging. He has been with me during my multiple bouts with recurring
disease and one of his CD's always at my side during treatments or
hospitalizations. I find such total comfort from him in every way and for
this I am very greatful to him for he indeed has prolonged my life. I will
forever cherish and adore this man, and I thank him for being there in spirit
when the going gets rough and during happy times as well.
Thank You Neil Brenda 5-30-2000 |
Hi This is my first visit to a Neil Diamond website - and I am totally impressed .... He is - without a doubt - The KING of writing and singing music. I have been a totally dedicated fan for more than 30 years [that dates me!] and I have nearly replaced all my LP's with CD's - some I still need to locate. I have only seen Neil in concert twice - it was the most exhilarating and enjoyable concert and evening and will go again as soon as possible. This man's mind, heart, soul, voice and all musical talents - is such a truly wonderful gift to the world and I am so thankful for him. HE IS SIMPLY THE BEST Sincerely, Marianne 5-30-2000 |
I have been a fan of Neils since the song I am I said came out back in
1973. I am now 34 and I follow him. My son who is 9 loves Beautiful Noise
and when I took Aran with me March '99 to see him at the NAC (England) he
loved every momment as I did.Thank you Neil for your songs, keep them coming. Alan Eardley 5-30-2000 |
Yes Neil Diamond is the greatest of all times in my book. I really do enjoy his music very
much. My boys also enjoy him. They have a band that they have started. We are kin to Ron
Tutt the drummer. We really did enjoy you all in Ft Worth, Tx.. My name is Sue
Edwards (White). Ron would know us, hope to see you soon again in Dallas or FT Worth.Sue and Son's, John, Mark, Luke Taylor (Their band is the Madhatter) 5-22-2000 |
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I have loved NEIL DIAMOND'S music since 1974.I had never heard of his name before then, but there were two songs that they
kept playing on the radio which I liked so much that I decided to find out who sang them so that I could buy the record.The songs
were SWEET CAROLINE and SONG SUNG BLUE. I purchased a copy of HOT AUGUST NIGHT and was completely won over
by NEIL'S music.It must be the best recording ever made. All these years since then I have enjoyed all his music and find that I keep going back to it time and time again.I never tire of it. It seems to reach deep down into your soul and he sings with such feeling. He really is a MASTER of his trade and deserves extra special recognition for what he has produced and achieved. His songs are played on the radio every day and they are so popular that they're almost taken for granted. Many a time I have said to myself thank goodness for NEIL DIAMOND. I'm honoured to be living on this planet at the same time as NEIL. I think Im really lucky to be able to see him and follow his career. THANK YOU NEIL, you're the greatest and I love you and your music. VAL W. 5-22-2000 |
Gary here. I'm thankful to Neil for my career. I'm a Neil Diamond look/soundalike and I owe my career to Neil Diamond, since being on TV in 93 and 94 as Neil. He also influenced me as a songwriter (which are in my own style unfortunately). My ambition is to shake his hand and say "Thank You"!
GARY@diamondface.fsnet.co.uk 5-20-2000 |
His songs and singing are so unique. There never has been and never will be
another like Neil. Also this man appreciates his band, his fans, and he is a
very humble human being. I see how other stars screw up, and I think of Neil
Diamond and how he has handled himself all these years. No one can compare.
Also when he sings to us, he really sings to each one of us. I love him to
death!
Sandra Bacon Escondido, Calif 5-14-2000 |
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My sister and I have been Neil Diamond fans ever since I can remember.
Our parents used to listen to him all the time, in fact he is the only one they listened to.
Every Sunday morning we would go to our grandmother's house and my father
would put in the Hot August Night tape, and at that time we were maybe 8 or 9 years old
and we would complain "Not Neil Diamond again!" Now here it is almost 20 years later, both of
my parents are gone but everytime I hear a Neil Diamond song they are
still alive. I just love all of his songs, the words, the music, everything! On Dec.13,1999
my sister and I got to see Neil's concert in Wilkes Barre, PA. It was fantastic!!!!
We both started crying the moment they announced he was coming out on stage.
When Neil came out eveyone went nuts, including us. It was the greatest!! I hope he comes
back here soon! Most people I know my age either never heard of him or
think I'm crazy, but because of Neil and his music I will always have my
parents. Thanks for the memories Neil! We love you!!! Joanna B. in PA 5-9-2000 |
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Neil is one of the best live performers I've ever seen. During his
prime, there wasn't one head turned away while Neil sang to us. Thanks
Neil for all the great times. Dick & Sharon Dionne Bradley, Illinois 5-2-2000 |
I don't think Mr. Diamond really understands what kind of an inspiration he gives to the world.
I just hopes he doesn't stop writing because there is another generation of kids who needs to be inspired too.Robert Casini 5-2-2000 |
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