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Neil Diamond popped up in an Los Angeles theatre audience on Saturday evening and sang an impromptu performance of his hit Sweet Caroline.
The 84-year-old singer attended A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical at the Pantages Theatre this weekend when he took to the microphone from the crowd, seven years after he announced his Parkinson’s diagnosis and retirement from touring.
A glorious Instagram video shows Neil, wearing a low-key cap and a blue jumper, popping up from the audience with a microphone as the surrounding crowd sang the lyrics back to him and cheered in appreciation.
The footage, posted by the musical’s official account, showed the lead – American Idol winner Nick Fradiani – introducing the Forever in Blue Jeans hitmaker, before he erupted into his greatest hit.
They captioned the post: ‘A moment we’ll never forget.’
Fans were loving the moment, as Instagram user mbk11341106 said: ‘What a treat for his long time fans…I saw the show twice on Broadway and it was phenomenal.’
‘This is so beautiful to see Neil so happy and to hear him sing, I love Neil Diamond forever,’ wrote birgitkniepert.
In 2018, Neil revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis and announced he would not tour again, though he’s made the occasional performance since as he did this weekend.
Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects the body’s motor system, often causing shaking and movement difficulty, which can become debilitating.
Announcing his diagnosis, Neil insisted at the time he would ‘remain active’ in the business.
‘I plan to remain active in writing, recording, and other projects for a long time to come,’ he assured fans.
‘My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world. You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement.’
In a nod to his biggest tune, Neil concluded: ‘This ride has been “so good, so good, so good” thanks to you.’
In 2023, Neil updated fans on his condition, revealing he’d finally come to terms with the diagnosis.
‘A calm has moved [into] the hurricane of my life, and things have gotten very quiet, as quiet as this recording studio,’ he said.
‘And I like it. I find that I like myself better. I’m easier on people. I’m easier on myself. And the beat goes on, and it will go on long after I’m gone.’
Neil was joined at the LA show by his wife Katie McNeil, who he married in 2012 after they first met in 2007 when she worked with the star’s manager, Irving Azoff.
‘Part of me said, “Don’t get involved; he’s a client,”’ McNeil told Parade in June 2012. ‘There are a lot of complications for a lot of reasons. But our chemistry grew into something that couldn’t be denied.’
In 2022, Neil sold his entire music catalogue including 110 unreleased tracks and a never before heard album, to Universal Music.
Diamond said about the decision: ‘After nearly a decade in business with UMG, I am thankful for the trust and respect that we have built together.
‘I feel confident in the knowledge that…the global team at UMG will continue to represent my catalogue and future releases with the same passion and integrity that have always fuelled my career.’
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