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Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
@Maxximum23Clark
11:54 AM 30th July 2015
arts

Review: Neil Diamond - Blackpool Football Ground

 
Over on one of the piers in Blackpool there is one of those shows playing where they impersonate the likes of Tina Turner, Freddie Mercury and Neil Diamond. But for one night only the real Neil Diamond is playing a gig in the town, outside at Bloomfield Road, home of Blackpool Football club.

Neil Diamond might be 73 years of age and his voice not as strong as it used to be but he can still put on an entertaining show.

"Hello Blackpool, it's my first time here", he offers, "this looks a fun place to be and we are here to add to the fun", he continues.

Opening up with the Monkees track he wrote, I'm a Believer brought back the memories for his fans who ranged from 30 to 80 years old.

It was not just the old tracks he performed such as Love on the Rocks and Kentucky Woman as he visited many parts of his career. You forget how many tracks he has written that have been made famous by other artists; Red Red Wine is a good example as the track was made famous by UB40.

Backed by a strong 12 piece band who are all talented musicians, they were like Diamond all dressed in black, it might have been a better choice for the star to wear brighter colours so he stood out more from his band, however, he made an effort to keep visiting each side of the stage.

It was towards the end of the gig when he encored with his biggest hits such as Cracklin Rosie, Sweet Caroline and America that had them literally dancing in the aisles. A great evening's entertainment.