Reviews
Legend Neil Diamond sparkles at the Rose Bowl
SOLITARY Man was his first smash
hit.
But last night there was no danger of Neil
Diamond being alone as his army of fans poured
into The Rose Bowl in West End to pay homage to
the legendary American singer and songwriter.
A stage was built to welcome one of the world's
greatest artists. The gates opened at 5.30pm to
allow for Diamond mania to sweep the stadium
and the countdown to begin for the huge concert.
It was worth waiting as the 67-year-old superstar
stepped into the sun-baked amphitheatre to deafening
applause.
Hampshire was one of the select locations to be
honoured by the Diamond magic. From here he
moves onto the Cardiff Millennium stadium, The
02 and Wembley Arenas before returning home
for a six-night run in New York.
With his name firmly cemented in the
Songwriters Hall of Fame, he has sold more than
150 million records around the globe.
His songs have been recorded by Elvis Presley,
Barbara Streisland and Johnny Cash.
Diamond treated the Rose Bowl faithful to a diamond-
studded songbook which has included classics
like Sweet Caroline, Cracklin' Rosie, Song
Sung Blue and Cherry and Cherry.
He dipped into his new album, Home Before
Dark, which last month soared to number one in
the UK and US charts. It was a first for the veteran
master musician who thought he had achieved
everything in his showbiz career.
The singer gave the crowd a big "Hello Southampton"
greeting and then launched in to all the
old favourites.
It quickly became a Neil Diamond sing-along as
he raced across the stage leading the chorus as
the night was filled with the chants of Sweet
Caroline and I'm a Believer.
It was the party of all parties.
3:45pm Wednesday 18th June 2008
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CommentPosted by: Peggy Dorothy, Netley Abbey on 4:16pm Wed 18 Jun 08
Neil Diamond brillent. Rose Bowl sound quality rubbish. Echo all through the show. Really spoiled it for me and my friend.
What do they intend to do to stop this happening again?
Neil Diamond brillent. Rose Bowl sound quality rubbish. Echo all through the show. Really spoiled it for me and my friend.
What do they intend to do to stop this happening again?
Posted by: Chris Apps, East Sussex on 5:19pm Wed 18 Jun 08
Wife an I thought this concert was brilliant. Thouroughly enjoyed the whole evening. Neil Diamonds a legend!
Wife an I thought this concert was brilliant. Thouroughly enjoyed the whole evening. Neil Diamonds a legend!
Posted by: Yvonne Coumbe, Bursledon, Southampton on 5:45pm Wed 18 Jun 08
We loved the concert last night but were disgusted by the amount of people who showed their rudeness by walking around during the concert, it was like sitting in the middle of the High St. as poeple were going to buy drinks and food throughout. Surely if you have paid to see such an artist you should have the respect to sit and watch him. He must be able to see everyone wandering about as he is performing, it wouldn't happen in a Theatre.
We loved the concert last night but were disgusted by the amount of people who showed their rudeness by walking around during the concert, it was like sitting in the middle of the High St. as poeple were going to buy drinks and food throughout. Surely if you have paid to see such an artist you should have the respect to sit and watch him. He must be able to see everyone wandering about as he is performing, it wouldn't happen in a Theatre.
Posted by: Susan Laverick, West End on 7:22pm Wed 18 Jun 08
My husband and I had a fantastic time watching and listening to Neil Diamond. To be within walking distance was also an advantage. He is indeed a legend. We both feel that there should be more concerts like this at the Rose Bowl.
My husband and I had a fantastic time watching and listening to Neil Diamond. To be within walking distance was also an advantage. He is indeed a legend. We both feel that there should be more concerts like this at the Rose Bowl.
Posted by: Jasmine Royl, Isle of Wight on 8:12pm Wed 18 Jun 08
I was at The Rose Bowl last night and enjoyed every minute of Neil Diamond's performance. He is one of the very few performers who's voice has remained strong throughout the years. He gave a great rendition of lots of old favourites, plus his new material from 'Home Before Dark', which was brilliant. A great entertainer who reaches out to his audience and appreciates the dedicated following he has.
I would agree with a comment made by Yvonne Coumbe, that there were a lot of very ignorant and inconsiderate people at the concert; not only moving around the stadium for drinks etc. but holding loud conversations throughout the performance! Why on earth did they spend large amounts of cash for tickets, if all they wanted to do was sit and chat!?
The car parking needs to be re-thought too. The park and walk site was a nonsense, after the concert! There was no direction from marshalls and it was a 'free for all' trying to get into the one EXIT lane to leave the field! No one wanted to give way and it was like driving 'bumper cars' to try and get out to the road!
After all said and done, and, even though I didn't get home until 3am, IT WAS A FANTASTIC CONCERT and I wouldn't have missed it!! :)
I was at The Rose Bowl last night and enjoyed every minute of Neil Diamond's performance. He is one of the very few performers who's voice has remained strong throughout the years. He gave a great rendition of lots of old favourites, plus his new material from 'Home Before Dark', which was brilliant. A great entertainer who reaches out to his audience and appreciates the dedicated following he has.
I would agree with a comment made by Yvonne Coumbe, that there were a lot of very ignorant and inconsiderate people at the concert; not only moving around the stadium for drinks etc. but holding loud conversations throughout the performance! Why on earth did they spend large amounts of cash for tickets, if all they wanted to do was sit and chat!?
The car parking needs to be re-thought too. The park and walk site was a nonsense, after the concert! There was no direction from marshalls and it was a 'free for all' trying to get into the one EXIT lane to leave the field! No one wanted to give way and it was like driving 'bumper cars' to try and get out to the road!
After all said and done, and, even though I didn't get home until 3am, IT WAS A FANTASTIC CONCERT and I wouldn't have missed it!! :)
Posted by: Merv Sinclair, Fareham on 8:13pm Wed 18 Jun 08
Totally agree with the comment by Yvonne.Why go to a concert if you are not going to watch and listen. The Rose Bowl should stop the serving of food and drink during the performance. They should also gag people who sit and talk all though the concert. Diamond...brilliant as usual. 'Home Before Dark' the best thing he has written in 20 years and now ranks alongside 'I Am I Said' and 'Brooklyn Roads' as one of his best ever.
Totally agree with the comment by Yvonne.Why go to a concert if you are not going to watch and listen. The Rose Bowl should stop the serving of food and drink during the performance. They should also gag people who sit and talk all though the concert. Diamond...brilliant as usual. 'Home Before Dark' the best thing he has written in 20 years and now ranks alongside 'I Am I Said' and 'Brooklyn Roads' as one of his best ever.
Posted by: Graham Franklin, Christchurch on 9:08pm Wed 18 Jun 08
Agree with comments about people walking + talking.Parking was an absolute joke.Missed 1st 3 songs because of queue to get in, they should have delayed start.If Rose bowl is to become a test venue they need to get it sorted.Thought sound was fine + Neil was on top form as was at NIA. Getting out was easier though stewards who knew job would be desirable.Look forward to Neils return providing they sort out parking
Agree with comments about people walking + talking.Parking was an absolute joke.Missed 1st 3 songs because of queue to get in, they should have delayed start.If Rose bowl is to become a test venue they need to get it sorted.Thought sound was fine + Neil was on top form as was at NIA. Getting out was easier though stewards who knew job would be desirable.Look forward to Neils return providing they sort out parking
Posted by: Mike Stephens on 9:25pm Wed 18 Jun 08
concert was great.No complaints about people moving about and getting drink. thats what an outdoor concert like this is about. Stewards should have stopped latecomers entering for show to start on time. People will take advantage unless stopped. Why were there no police controlling traffic at the exit to the park and ride and finally the big screens were not very big.
concert was great.No complaints about people moving about and getting drink. thats what an outdoor concert like this is about. Stewards should have stopped latecomers entering for show to start on time. People will take advantage unless stopped. Why were there no police controlling traffic at the exit to the park and ride and finally the big screens were not very big.
Posted by: Nicola Brown, Oakley, Basingstoke on 9:40pm Wed 18 Jun 08
I agree Neil Diamond was great as ever. Possibly the reason people were talking etc was the fact that the stewards/security refused to allow us to stand and dance. My friend and I had aisle seats and were happy to stand aside to allow people behind to see (although they too were trying to dance) and we were consistnatly told to remain in our seats....THIS WAS A CONCERT!!!!! How can you "sit" to Neil Diamond???? It ruined the concert for me and I would seriously think twice about going to the Rosebowl again.
I agree Neil Diamond was great as ever. Possibly the reason people were talking etc was the fact that the stewards/security refused to allow us to stand and dance. My friend and I had aisle seats and were happy to stand aside to allow people behind to see (although they too were trying to dance) and we were consistnatly told to remain in our seats....THIS WAS A CONCERT!!!!! How can you "sit" to Neil Diamond???? It ruined the concert for me and I would seriously think twice about going to the Rosebowl again.
Posted by: Paul Sutton on 11:21pm Wed 18 Jun 08
I was very impressed with Neil Diamond, particularly the effort and sincerity he put into 'I Am, I Said' which came across as a real masterpiece and was very moving. I also liked the venue very much, but it was odd to have the stage set up in such a way that the audience was looking into sun and therefore couldn't see anything if you were in the high stands. I must also disagree with the comments about the sound. I thought it was glorious, beautifully mixed with every word briliantly clear. I understand the problems people had with traffic. I cycled there but there was no proper place to put a bicycle and I had to chain it to a temporary spot light.
I was very impressed with Neil Diamond, particularly the effort and sincerity he put into 'I Am, I Said' which came across as a real masterpiece and was very moving. I also liked the venue very much, but it was odd to have the stage set up in such a way that the audience was looking into sun and therefore couldn't see anything if you were in the high stands. I must also disagree with the comments about the sound. I thought it was glorious, beautifully mixed with every word briliantly clear. I understand the problems people had with traffic. I cycled there but there was no proper place to put a bicycle and I had to chain it to a temporary spot light.
Posted by: Jo Worrell, Southampton on 11:04am Thu 19 Jun 08
What a fabulous concert, Neil was superb as always, great songs which he performs so brilliantly. The band was also made up of expert musicians and a joy to listen to. Had great seats in block L - a tiered seat so saw the whole thing brilliantly and was very able to get up and dance. My only gripe is that it started late and that was because people were coming in late. surely it is rude isn't it ? Also please when you next have a concert Rose Bowl, be so kind as to shut the bar and the food outlets during the performance, people milling about was distracting.
What a fabulous concert, Neil was superb as always, great songs which he performs so brilliantly. The band was also made up of expert musicians and a joy to listen to. Had great seats in block L - a tiered seat so saw the whole thing brilliantly and was very able to get up and dance. My only gripe is that it started late and that was because people were coming in late. surely it is rude isn't it ? Also please when you next have a concert Rose Bowl, be so kind as to shut the bar and the food outlets during the performance, people milling about was distracting.
Posted by: Geoff Page, Southampton on 12:35pm Thu 19 Jun 08
The park and walk was a joke. It took 1.5 hours to travel 4 miles and we missed the first 3/4 hour of the concert and people were still arriving after us! No police traffic control. Neil Diamond was great but it was like watching a moving postage stamp on the screen - and we paid for the "best" seats. Rose Bowl - never again! Very badly organised!
The park and walk was a joke. It took 1.5 hours to travel 4 miles and we missed the first 3/4 hour of the concert and people were still arriving after us! No police traffic control. Neil Diamond was great but it was like watching a moving postage stamp on the screen - and we paid for the "best" seats. Rose Bowl - never again! Very badly organised!
Posted by: wayne, southampton on 3:01pm Thu 19 Jun 08
thank you neil for coming to my hometown 67 he can show a few of these youngsters a thing or two about being a music legend great song selections as well as adding in all the favourites what a party.come back soon
thank you neil for coming to my hometown 67 he can show a few of these youngsters a thing or two about being a music legend great song selections as well as adding in all the favourites what a party.come back soon
Posted by: Jackie, Itchen, Southampton on 4:18pm Thu 19 Jun 08
A lot has been said recently about a wow factor for Southampton. Having artists like this perform in our city is just that. It is the first time I have seen Neil Diamond live and it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Along with the new material It was great to hear all the favourites like 'Beautiful Noise', 'America' and 'Song Sung Blue', which was beautifully performed with the background singers. It was very welcome too, to get straight to the main attraction without having to sit through a supporting act first, this is rare. Although I was right at the back, large screens made it easy to see what was going on. I thought the Rose bowl was a lovely setting, It was my first visit there. Congratulations to all involved for a really lovely evening, and to Neil Diamond, please come back again.
A lot has been said recently about a wow factor for Southampton. Having artists like this perform in our city is just that. It is the first time I have seen Neil Diamond live and it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Along with the new material It was great to hear all the favourites like 'Beautiful Noise', 'America' and 'Song Sung Blue', which was beautifully performed with the background singers. It was very welcome too, to get straight to the main attraction without having to sit through a supporting act first, this is rare. Although I was right at the back, large screens made it easy to see what was going on. I thought the Rose bowl was a lovely setting, It was my first visit there. Congratulations to all involved for a really lovely evening, and to Neil Diamond, please come back again.
Posted by: Joan Deering, Wanborough, Wiltshire on 6:02pm Thu 19 Jun 08
I have waited years to see Neil Diamond in concert and his performance in Southampton was fantastic. Worth the travelling, the money, the hotel we required. Neil Diamond was brilliant! The Rose Bowl, however, is a mess and its evening-long sale of alcohol and every form of junk food needs a serious rethink. People wandering backwards and forwards throughout the performance, slopping beer and blocking the view of the performer were unforgiveable. It's fine that people stand up en masse to celebrate a terrific performance, and who can listen to Neil Diamond live and not want to dance, but the people who made trips to the bar and back and then the loo and back and then held a group chat or two on their travels took the edge off this special evening. More than a few people were the worse for alcohol and tempers were running high. I hope Southampton Licensing Authority will consider revoking the alcohol licence at the Rose Bowl.
It was a mainly seated venue, it 'welcomed' one of the most amazing songwriters and singers of our times. I hope Neil Diamond did not notice those who showed so little consideration and respect for other people.
I have waited years to see Neil Diamond in concert and his performance in Southampton was fantastic. Worth the travelling, the money, the hotel we required. Neil Diamond was brilliant! The Rose Bowl, however, is a mess and its evening-long sale of alcohol and every form of junk food needs a serious rethink. People wandering backwards and forwards throughout the performance, slopping beer and blocking the view of the performer were unforgiveable. It's fine that people stand up en masse to celebrate a terrific performance, and who can listen to Neil Diamond live and not want to dance, but the people who made trips to the bar and back and then the loo and back and then held a group chat or two on their travels took the edge off this special evening. More than a few people were the worse for alcohol and tempers were running high. I hope Southampton Licensing Authority will consider revoking the alcohol licence at the Rose Bowl.
It was a mainly seated venue, it 'welcomed' one of the most amazing songwriters and singers of our times. I hope Neil Diamond did not notice those who showed so little consideration and respect for other people.
Posted by: Joan Deering, Wanborough, Wiltshire on 6:02pm Thu 19 Jun 08
I have waited years to see Neil Diamond in concert and his performance in Southampton was fantastic. Worth the travelling, the money, the hotel we required. Neil Diamond was brilliant! The Rose Bowl, however, is a mess and its evening-long sale of alcohol and every form of junk food needs a serious rethink. People wandering backwards and forwards throughout the performance, slopping beer and blocking the view of the performer were unforgiveable. It's fine that people stand up en masse to celebrate a terrific performance, and who can listen to Neil Diamond live and not want to dance, but the people who made trips to the bar and back and then the loo and back and then held a group chat or two on their travels took the edge off this special evening. More than a few people were the worse for alcohol and tempers were running high. I hope Southampton Licensing Authority will consider revoking the alcohol licence at the Rose Bowl.
It was a mainly seated venue, it 'welcomed' one of the most amazing songwriters and singers of our times. I hope Neil Diamond did not notice those who showed so little consideration and respect for other people.
I have waited years to see Neil Diamond in concert and his performance in Southampton was fantastic. Worth the travelling, the money, the hotel we required. Neil Diamond was brilliant! The Rose Bowl, however, is a mess and its evening-long sale of alcohol and every form of junk food needs a serious rethink. People wandering backwards and forwards throughout the performance, slopping beer and blocking the view of the performer were unforgiveable. It's fine that people stand up en masse to celebrate a terrific performance, and who can listen to Neil Diamond live and not want to dance, but the people who made trips to the bar and back and then the loo and back and then held a group chat or two on their travels took the edge off this special evening. More than a few people were the worse for alcohol and tempers were running high. I hope Southampton Licensing Authority will consider revoking the alcohol licence at the Rose Bowl.
It was a mainly seated venue, it 'welcomed' one of the most amazing songwriters and singers of our times. I hope Neil Diamond did not notice those who showed so little consideration and respect for other people.
Posted by: Pete Samm on 8:24pm Thu 19 Jun 08
[quote][bold]Geoff Page[/bold] wrote:
The park and walk was a joke. It took 1.5 hours to travel 4 miles and we missed the first 3/4 hour of the concert and people were still arriving after us! No police traffic control. Neil Diamond was great but it was like watching a moving postage stamp on the screen - and we paid for the \"best\" seats. Rose Bowl - never again! Very badly organised![/quote] The park and walk may have been a problem but you can't blame the Rose Bowl if the roads around the area can't cope. That is down to the local authority. If they want prestige events then they must be prepared to invest in the infrastructure. The concert.... ??? FABULOUS!!! Neil hase been entertaining for over 40 years and he can still hold an audience in the palm of his hand and wring out of them every emotion going. Long may he continue and if I have to spens a couple of hours in a traffic queue to see him then I will. ( I have been going to see him since Woburn in 1977 and he still enthralls)
Geoff Page wrote:
The park and walk was a joke. It took 1.5 hours to travel 4 miles and we missed the first 3/4 hour of the concert and people were still arriving after us! No police traffic control. Neil Diamond was great but it was like watching a moving postage stamp on the screen - and we paid for the \"best\" seats. Rose Bowl - never again! Very badly organised!
The park and walk may have been a problem but you can't blame the Rose Bowl if the roads around the area can't cope. That is down to the local authority. If they want prestige events then they must be prepared to invest in the infrastructure. The concert.... ??? FABULOUS!!! Neil hase been entertaining for over 40 years and he can still hold an audience in the palm of his hand and wring out of them every emotion going. Long may he continue and if I have to spens a couple of hours in a traffic queue to see him then I will. ( I have been going to see him since Woburn in 1977 and he still enthralls)
Posted by: smc, angmering on 11:18pm Thu 19 Jun 08
i've seen my fair share of concerts, in all manner of stadia/auditorium and take ABSOLUTE OBJECTION to the majority of comments about the foot traffic/rude behaviour, as totally unfair.
i had never been to the Rose Bowl before, and doubt i will return( £50 seats requiring binoculars!!!??? ) although we had intended to see oasis a few years ago.
nor had I seen Neil Diamond live.
now for a couple of pertinent points.
the marshals of the car park and ride/walk scheme were themselves totally responsible for creating a two mile tail back to the Hamble exit by inspecting each and every drivers 'validity of their ticket' when they got to Wickes, which in turn meant we could pass, once inspected, in single file, to the pre paid parking area.
we queued for over an hour from leaving the m27.
the disorganisation of the parking led to many thousands missing the start of the show.
a total lack of forward comminication, it only needed a phone call/text ( in this day and age) to say that there were delays of over an hour from the hedge end turn off being conveyed to the dressing room surely?
this was the cause of the many, many people seen mulling around the place late, looking for their seat, choking of thirst, hungry( were going to eat when they got there in any case) needing the loo, all in full view and to the displeasure of the many seated audience.
get real people!
basically, if you are in an arena, watching a show, the milling about is still going on around you, beer is sold, as is food, and toilets are functioning, you are just unaware of the traffic, as it tends to pass behind or beneath you, not directly left to right and vice versa across your vista.
we all bought the tickets.
the organisers didn't organise very well at all.
the rose bowl is not a rock concert arena and CANNOT cope with a sudden volume of traffic.
it is NO particular show goers behaviour that is at fault, i thought the masses still arriving at 9:45 were very, very well behaved indeed, considering the problem journey they had just encountered and missed 50% of their concert and ticket price cost due to no fault of their own.
to rub salt in the wound yet more, my sympathy to those situated mid pitch - the echoes and acoustics were absolutely appalling, think there may be a pavillion to blame.
never mind, despite the incompetence and chaos, we got there in time, moved from our expensive binoccular necessary seats and stood / danced nearer the stage (able to focus correctly) and thoroughly enjoyed what was an absolutely flawless vocal performance from neil diamond.
diamond is forever - and will do more.
rosebowl - never again.
i've seen my fair share of concerts, in all manner of stadia/auditorium and take ABSOLUTE OBJECTION to the majority of comments about the foot traffic/rude behaviour, as totally unfair.
i had never been to the Rose Bowl before, and doubt i will return( £50 seats requiring binoculars!!!??? ) although we had intended to see oasis a few years ago.
nor had I seen Neil Diamond live.
now for a couple of pertinent points.
the marshals of the car park and ride/walk scheme were themselves totally responsible for creating a two mile tail back to the Hamble exit by inspecting each and every drivers 'validity of their ticket' when they got to Wickes, which in turn meant we could pass, once inspected, in single file, to the pre paid parking area.
we queued for over an hour from leaving the m27.
the disorganisation of the parking led to many thousands missing the start of the show.
a total lack of forward comminication, it only needed a phone call/text ( in this day and age) to say that there were delays of over an hour from the hedge end turn off being conveyed to the dressing room surely?
this was the cause of the many, many people seen mulling around the place late, looking for their seat, choking of thirst, hungry( were going to eat when they got there in any case) needing the loo, all in full view and to the displeasure of the many seated audience.
get real people!
basically, if you are in an arena, watching a show, the milling about is still going on around you, beer is sold, as is food, and toilets are functioning, you are just unaware of the traffic, as it tends to pass behind or beneath you, not directly left to right and vice versa across your vista.
we all bought the tickets.
the organisers didn't organise very well at all.
the rose bowl is not a rock concert arena and CANNOT cope with a sudden volume of traffic.
it is NO particular show goers behaviour that is at fault, i thought the masses still arriving at 9:45 were very, very well behaved indeed, considering the problem journey they had just encountered and missed 50% of their concert and ticket price cost due to no fault of their own.
to rub salt in the wound yet more, my sympathy to those situated mid pitch - the echoes and acoustics were absolutely appalling, think there may be a pavillion to blame.
never mind, despite the incompetence and chaos, we got there in time, moved from our expensive binoccular necessary seats and stood / danced nearer the stage (able to focus correctly) and thoroughly enjoyed what was an absolutely flawless vocal performance from neil diamond.
diamond is forever - and will do more.
rosebowl - never again.
Posted by: Nicola Reynolds, Dibden Southampton on 1:57am Fri 20 Jun 08
The last time I saw Neil was over 20 years ago. I think he was fantastic and still manages to produce a faultless performance. He sang all my favourites from his Hot August Night album and Beautiful Noise. My ticket was a 20th anniversary present and he was worth every penny.
I did expect it to be difficult to get out of the venue it always is where ever its held. But I feel it could have been organised better as not only did it take ages to get the bus for the Park and Ride it then took a while to get out with our car as traffic was at a standstill.
Also as I said Neil was worth every penny of the £50 ticket unfortunately the same cannot be said for the seating. If I pay that amount of money for a ticket I do expect to be able to be a bit closer and not have to rely on the screens. I will think twice about the Rose Bowl and would rather travel the extra miles to London.
The last time I saw Neil was over 20 years ago. I think he was fantastic and still manages to produce a faultless performance. He sang all my favourites from his Hot August Night album and Beautiful Noise. My ticket was a 20th anniversary present and he was worth every penny.
I did expect it to be difficult to get out of the venue it always is where ever its held. But I feel it could have been organised better as not only did it take ages to get the bus for the Park and Ride it then took a while to get out with our car as traffic was at a standstill.
Also as I said Neil was worth every penny of the £50 ticket unfortunately the same cannot be said for the seating. If I pay that amount of money for a ticket I do expect to be able to be a bit closer and not have to rely on the screens. I will think twice about the Rose Bowl and would rather travel the extra miles to London.
Posted by: LIN AND BERYL, ALRESFORD AND BISHOPSTOKE on 1:02pm Fri 20 Jun 08
CONCERT WAS ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS WE BOTH HAD A WONDERFUL EVENING AND THE WEATHER WAS KIND ENOUGH NOT TO RAIN. SAW NEIL AT WOBURN IN 1977 AND I WOULD SAY HE IS EVEN BETTER NOW DESPITE HIS ADVANCING YEARS BRING IT ON NEIL YOU ARE THE VERY BEST LOVE YOU!!
PS. AGREE RE COMMENTS ABOUT PEOPLE WANDERING ABOUT VERY RUDE.
CONCERT WAS ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS WE BOTH HAD A WONDERFUL EVENING AND THE WEATHER WAS KIND ENOUGH NOT TO RAIN. SAW NEIL AT WOBURN IN 1977 AND I WOULD SAY HE IS EVEN BETTER NOW DESPITE HIS ADVANCING YEARS BRING IT ON NEIL YOU ARE THE VERY BEST LOVE YOU!!
PS. AGREE RE COMMENTS ABOUT PEOPLE WANDERING ABOUT VERY RUDE.
Posted by: Sue Norker, Warsash on 1:33pm Fri 20 Jun 08
JUST WONDERFUL! Neil Diamond is as brilliant a performer now as he was 40 years ago! I loved seeing him at the Rose-Bowl, although I do agree that for the top-price tickets I thought we should have been closer to the stage! Also I understand that outdoor concerts are always going to have fast-food & drink on sale, they always do, but can't help feeling that TRUE DIAMOND fans would not show such disrespect as walking back & forth while their idol was performing. Come back soon Neil, I love you![bold]bold[/bold]
JUST WONDERFUL! Neil Diamond is as brilliant a performer now as he was 40 years ago! I loved seeing him at the Rose-Bowl, although I do agree that for the top-price tickets I thought we should have been closer to the stage! Also I understand that outdoor concerts are always going to have fast-food & drink on sale, they always do, but can't help feeling that TRUE DIAMOND fans would not show such disrespect as walking back & forth while their idol was performing. Come back soon Neil, I love you!
Posted by: Lyz, Portsmouth on 5:02pm Fri 20 Jun 08
Absolutely loved Neil Diamond, thought he sang incredibly well and entertained brilliantly.
But do agree that there was too much moving around at the rosebowl. We were in the east stand and people were constantly moving in and out of the rows. I then decided to just concentrate on the performance and not let these inconsiderate people spoil the evening.
Park and ride from the east side was ok but we only just got to the stadium at 7:55 so I was getting worried I might miss the start, and we left queues of people behind at the car park, where we had arrived well before 7pm. Buses were getting stuck in the awful traffic jams, and couldn't get through, but we were told there were 15 buses on, and I never saw anything like that number.
I was also very glad it didn't rain!
Would go and see Neil Diamond again any time, he was fantastic, but not at the rosebowl I'm afraid.
Absolutely loved Neil Diamond, thought he sang incredibly well and entertained brilliantly.
But do agree that there was too much moving around at the rosebowl. We were in the east stand and people were constantly moving in and out of the rows. I then decided to just concentrate on the performance and not let these inconsiderate people spoil the evening.
Park and ride from the east side was ok but we only just got to the stadium at 7:55 so I was getting worried I might miss the start, and we left queues of people behind at the car park, where we had arrived well before 7pm. Buses were getting stuck in the awful traffic jams, and couldn't get through, but we were told there were 15 buses on, and I never saw anything like that number.
I was also very glad it didn't rain!
Would go and see Neil Diamond again any time, he was fantastic, but not at the rosebowl I'm afraid.
Posted by: shirley, Isle of Wight on 12:16am Mon 23 Jun 08
I bought my tickets of e-bay and paid a lot more that the face value, but I just wanted to be there. I saw Neil Diamond many years ago at Wembley Arena so I knew my money was well spent. I have no complaints. Thank you Neil for the most amazing night out. Lots of love, Shirley
I bought my tickets of e-bay and paid a lot more that the face value, but I just wanted to be there. I saw Neil Diamond many years ago at Wembley Arena so I knew my money was well spent. I have no complaints. Thank you Neil for the most amazing night out. Lots of love, Shirley
Posted by: jan, Dorset on 10:28am Mon 23 Jun 08
Absolutely fantastic performance! Anyone who is complaining about the sound and distance from the stage should have been at Bon jovi at st marys the week before..that really was awful!
One big question..why on earth did he not sing 'Hello'??! We waited and waited thinking that perhaps he would save it till last..but no! I wonder if there is any particular reason he did not sing that??
Absolutely fantastic performance! Anyone who is complaining about the sound and distance from the stage should have been at Bon jovi at st marys the week before..that really was awful!
One big question..why on earth did he not sing 'Hello'??! We waited and waited thinking that perhaps he would save it till last..but no! I wonder if there is any particular reason he did not sing that??
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