It wasn’t a Hot August Night and it wasn’t the Hollywood Bowl. Rather it was June, a warm Glasgow evening at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, but there was a common theme, it was the first of three sell out shows on the Scottish leg of his world tour.

I have been a huge Neil Diamond fan for thirty odd years but this was the first time I had ever managed to beg, borrow or steal a ticket to see this amazing artiste play live. Along with numerous other fellow fans we packed into the vast arena and awaited the arrival of the maestro.

I was somewhat wary at the size of the space, and the fact that we were fairly well back, if the vastness of the arena would detract from the spectacle, but it didn’t partly due to there being two large screens relaying live pictures and the huge personality of the man himself together with his phenomenal band and backing singers.

For nearly two hours and 30 minutes they entertained the fanatical audience with a selection of some of the finest material that he has written and recorded since the early 60’s. It would be hard to pick what went down best with the crowd, I’m sure that each would have their own special highlight. I’m pretty certain one of Sheila’s was the Jonathon Livingston Seagull segue and for me my favourite I am …I said, but the whole gig was just special, who could not be moved by I’m a Believer, Holly Holy, Sweet Caroline, Craklin’ Rosie, Re,Red Wine Play Me, Forever in Blue Jeans, the list just goes on.

Mr Diamond is obviously a total professional. He plays to his strengths at all times. A fine singer singing excellent material and doesn’t strut a round his stage, rather uses it all with the decorum an artiste of his calibre and age group should. That is not to say the show is tame, the excitement generated is second to none I have ever witnessed.

I don’t know the next time he will be back on tour, but, I’ll be first in line for tickets when he does, cause Neil is certainly a Diamond geyser!!