I was 19 when this came out. Being the cool hippie type I was I'd never consider Neil Diamond as like, youknow, hip. This changed my mind completely. The man is a true legend, one of the greatest entertainers ever. I'm 54 now, and that stands as true today as ever.
I love it that rock stars are cocky and competitive...funny how Bob Dylan always wins! What a line! I always thought this song was about being Jewish. Good to hear the truth, but mainly it is so great it can be about any old resurrection! I like that Neil wears what he want, whether hipsters agree or not. Sequins are not just for gay guys! They are for those who dare!
@TheBeeLady007 ND said that did not happen, he told this to the rolling stone last yr, he said they were BSing back stage hour befor the they were going on, he told dylan with a smile," hey bob, those are really my people out there" to which bob shot him a wry smile---thats it according to ND. He also said they were friends. I like both guys, their contributions are huge. Joni mitchell hit dylan hard last yr, called him a fraud, not sure why she did that.
Love him. Don't care what he's wearing. I believe Robbie Robertson produced ND's "Beautiful Noise" album which "Dry Your Eyes" is from. It's a beautiful song.
I read Diamond strutted offstage and said "Follow that!" and Dylan replied "What do I have to do? Go onstage and fall asleep?" Forever Young blew him away!
I also hear Diamond and Streisand are victims of heavy duty mind control.....don't know about that but the "fallen angel who decended much too soon" sounds a tad dodgy.......great song nevertheless.
@RitaMayish I was never much a fan of ND, but I just saw Last Waltz this weekend, and wanted to know what this song was really about. ND said in an interview that this song was dedicated to Martin Luther King. That puts the "fallen angel who descended much too soon", and infact the whole song, in a pretty intense context. My respect for ND has risen immeasurably as a result.
@RitaMayish Yeah, Neil never seemed that deep, more a Pop star. Most forget the Big Pink and all those tapes someone has, when Dylan played with these boys everyday for a few years. Thing is Dylan could have played the show!!! I love Robertson when Clapton "over rated" guitar comes unplugged and Rob blows his solo away in a minute. Awesome " Band"
Maybe I'm the only one, but I think Neil looks petrified up there. He snotted off to Bob Dylan before performing that he was going to make the crowd his, then he went out on stage and barely even moved or acknowledged anyone else on stage. And I think his eyes are often closed behind those sunglasses. I love the song and the Band are terrific, but I admit I'm also fascinated by how aloof Diamond is while performing.
@stacia99 Actually recetly he told the RS that he told dylan the people out there were really his people! LOL. He said he was joking with BD! I kinda like it! this song is very dylan like in my opinion, Petrified? nah, kinda cocky looking. I completely agree about the outfits he wears- I think it was weird, but thought maybe it was just the 70's, but then the sparkly shirts whch were just silly. His work was too good for that crap. Herb Tarlek! classic.
God the arguments on this comment board are ridiculous. Most real and genuine musicians don't only run in wide and varied circles of friends and influences but their tastes in music are just as deep. Grow up people.
jabb69, I respect your opinion. I just don't happen to agree with it. The Rolling Stone's Top 100 artists of all time: Dylan is No. 2, Muddy Waters No. 17, Neil Young No. 34, Van Morrison No. 43, The Band No. 50, Eric Clapton No. 53, Joni Mitchell No. 60. Neil Diamond nowhere to be found. He's a pop singer. Good at what he did but not in the same class.
@08shortstop He has got his own class bro, so does Dylan, so does young-much like politics, we hang labels were there shouldn't be-Neil young isn't Metallica, nor is he Dylan, it is a style, a ability, etc. No offense but you cited a list, a list I do not subscribe too My ear is my indicator, and for the record I brought up his album sales as a sort of bench mark on ability, not a slam on any artist. Listen to diamonds early stuff, african triology, hot august night,live at the troubadour etc,
@jabb69 continued and it may change your mind, so let me say sorry for calling you a dope, I thought u were being disrespectful, and quite frankly his contribution to music does not deserve it.
@08shortstop The members of the Band chose Diamond to play their final concert, as their peer, and that of all those other luminaries, plus Ringo Starr, Bobby Charles, Dr. John, Ronnie Hawkins and Paul Butterfield (all of whom except Starr were likely not on Rolling Stone's list either). The respect of his fellow musicians is a far greater testament to Diamond's worth than some collective list drawn up by a bunch of rock critics.
@leeharveyosmosis No you are simply not relevant- ND was there, is a superstar, was a headliner, robertson was the chief songwriter and lead guitarist of the band---the two were long friends, Robertson attended diamonds rock hall nomination---again, your point is mute--it means nothing. Its one thing not to like his music, its quite another to try to downplay his involvement, its as if people were afraid of him or his involvement here. Silly and downright stupid.
Neil Diamond had no place sharing the stage with the show's other true legends ... inexplicably included .... I know Robbie Robertson produced one of his albums, but please .... this pop-crap artist should have been made to buy a ticket.
@08shortstop LOL u r a freaking dope diamond if anything should have done at least 2 more songs like holly holy, solitary man etc--along with neil young he is the best talent on the stage---and get his dope, he sold more records then dylan and young---neil clocks in at 130 million albums sold, and if this is a pop song then u r dumber then originally thought. Neil was a centerpiece of this great concert, it hurts u huh? LMAO
I would like to let all know that if a comment is voted down enough times it will be deleted by youtube. and since people cannot think for themselves, they might notice the red thumb pointing down and follow like the good lemmings that they are and dislike the comment thereby avoiding all the disdain, and stinking up of the room!!
comment warriors suck ass! Neil Diamond. the subtle dynamic of this song is probably missed by most who give it a listen. the Jerks who do battle with comments are funny at best. I came here to hear a song.
@morningsideish1 u get these comments from mostly people 30 under--they have zero clues about his skills in songwriting and his early rock n roll ascension-he and dylan were like two yrs apart from each other and both widely respected. Dylans songs were deeper, but ND songs hit the charts a lot higher and had great rhythm and build up-and his deeper songs like morningside,grass wont pay no mind, lady magdelene, were songs dylan/ young would have been proud to write! they are just dumb asses!
@jabb69 - no but seriously, why was this schmaltzy vegas hack at this event? was vegas all booked that night? can you explain why he decided to go for that mid 70's serial-killer look?
@mollkatles Lay out your argument with some common sense ok dope? no one gives a fuck what u think here, u appear to be a waste of sperm and so when u comment work on laying out a argument to avoid getting another load in your face. Thanks
@mollkatles Obviously you are a person of very little taste. I would love to see some of the younger bands touring how he does at 70, but most wont be able to because of drugs and booze ruined lives they have led.
@mollydancer1 you can tell when the written word is to entice or incite===this loser is just here to incite---blow the punk off, he s used to the feeling of being ignored and ridiculed.
@mollkatles I love Neil, but he was rocking that Herb Tarlek in sunglasses look as early as 1974, which is a shame. His stage wardrobe has always been a little horrifying. If you want to laugh until you cry, dig up some photos of him at the Winter Garden in 1972 in an all red cowboy outfit with gold lame and sequins glued all over. Or check out the red beaded pantsuit he wore on Shirley Bassey's show in '74. The salesman suit in Last Waltz is positively glamorous by comparison.
neil diamonds voice is probably one of the great voices in music history. and dry your eyes is just another example of mr cool.. he didn't have an 4 piece rock and roll band to support him on stage. he was a Solitary Man. look, i can hardly handle sweet caroline myself . listen to" I think its going to rain" Be" jazz singer Love on the rocks" and tell me his voice is weak.. best voice in music. I know.. I sing Neil's songs. look me up on you tube.. the people say I am F aMazing... cool thanks
According to Ron Wood, when N.D. walked off stage, he said to B.D. "Follow that, man" and Bob replied, "What you want me to do, walk on stage and fall asleep?".
@lewiske From a 1989 interview in The Telegraph with John Bauldie: "Neil Diamond, who's one of my pet hates - in fact none of us could understand what he was doing there anyway - came off stage and Bob's just about to go on, and as he came off Diamond said "You're really going to have to go some to follow me,man, I was so great" and Bob says, "What do you want me to do, go on stage and fall asleep?".
@lewiske I once red that Robbie co wrote a song with him and also produced one of his records. I suppose we should all give thanks that the show closed with I Shall Be Released and not Sweet Caroline!
@forthome3 LOL u believe that? ND was quoted in a rolling stone interview last yr that he did say some things to dylan hours before the show= one was that diamond told dylan " you know bob, those are really my people out there" and dylan smiled nervously....diamond said it was in fun, no harm done and he and bob are friends. He was there cause he should be there, he was and still is one of the best songwriters and early rockers the usa has produced, this is a fact.
@jabb69 If ND said that, it demonstrates perfectly that his people had different musical tastes from the fans of Dylan and the rest. ND is almost unique in that he is a MOTR singer who writes his own MOTR songs. There is nothing wrong in that, it's just that among all the performers at The Last Waltz, he was the only one and, in the words of Ron Wood, "none of us could understand what he was doing there".
@forthome3 its funny to me,I could careless what ron wood has to say, I am trying to figure out what the stringed out looking fag in the white jumpsuit was doing there,seriously, what is his relevance to the band? wood is with the rolling stones and is a electric guitarist,so what the fuck is he there for? See what I mean-oh and I do not know what MOTR means man..if wood or others really desired the answers to that, go ask robbie---they met in woodstock in 71 and his song here is very relevant
@jabb69 There is absolutely no reason at all why you should give two hoots what Ron Wood has to say, I was just reporting what he said in an interview.He and Ringo were invited to take part in the finale by Bill Graham. Middle Of The Road/mainstream. No one was desperate for any answers, it was just something they couldn't figure out, but no big deal.
@forthome3 The reality is you would be hard pressed to not find this song really good, whether you liked ND or not, it is well written and has a feeling of nostalgia and a " newborn afternoon " to it. I don't get into the he does or doesnt belong BS-TO quote both dylan and diamond at one time or another- Hip is BS.You either did or did not,meaning if ron wood read anything he would have realized ND was huge in 76----probably more popular then anyone there except my favorite musician neil young
@jabb69 continued, wood or helm had really no business saying shit, especially wood, he should be happy they let him in the winterland theatre in SF. I would get the comments if in fact this was a guy who did little, 4 yrs earlier he recorded hot august night one of the top albums of all time---a ROCK album--two album set Lester Bangs of the rolling stone called it one of the best albums he has heard. At this time he was BIG TIME. Ron Wood! yeaaaaa LOL. Good talking to you.
LOL I'm not saying he's a bad songwriter, his lyrical skill and influence are undisputed. I'm just saying his voice has a certain...how shall I say...lack of believability. He sings like he's trying to sell me a used car: What he's selling sounds nice, but somehow I get the feeling that he's pulling a fast one on me.
@ejatz fair enough, dylans voice was bad and as he aged it was beyond bad..nonetheless we all have different opinions. He wouldnt be diamiond without that voice too ME.
I just realized something about Neil Diamond that may explain why he his sound just sort of grates at you...has anyone noticed that his singing voice uses the same over-stated hyper-throatiness as relatively recent unlisten-to-able acts like Nickelback or Creed? Neil Diamond's hammy singing may have been the inspiration for hammy singers of the future!
@jjkcharlie Interesting comment, I read a article in the NY times when both dylan and diamond were in town on the same night--ND at MSG and BD at a Brooklyn concert hall..the writer compared the two----said diamond was as a FACT the 25th best hit maker in the world, dylan on the same charts, was like 229th in the world hits wise, he went on to say everyone looked at dylans writing and wanted it, so he had that edge, but he said diamond did what he wanted and did it real well- Hit after hit.
@suysauce007 They are! I think a lot of younger people have a distorted but somewhat accurate read on Neil D...meaning the guy with the sparkly shirt who sang that song with streisand......yet they do not realize his significance to early rock n roll and his tremendous success hit wise from 66 to 1980. Even his lesser known songs were very good. So in ignorance, and not owning his early stuff they degrade him. Young was and is still a rock pioneer, his crossover music proves that.
Unfortunately, the comments I made about Neil's saying that "For My Children" was pure fantasy (in the version I chose to comment about) is more true then many of us want to believe. It may not have been a table, but it was something made from our Father's hearts. Most gather around the lawyer's table. But if that strikes a negative chord in you, then "Come Dry Your Eyes". Dr. James C. Ronning PhD, MPH (Johns Hopkins Medical School and Hospital)
I agree...Neil Diamond had no business at this concert. The most annoying thing is when people confuse ND with Neil Young like a friend of mine did when I asked if he listened to Neil Young...to confuse Neil Diamond with Neil Young is an insult to Neil Young...ergh.
@BarstoolBlues33 OH BS--- i am a big shaky fan, he is my favorite rocker writer around, BUT it is not at all insulting...ND has written over 600 songs with 74 top 100 songs---his early stuff was as good as youngs, the words and early performances by ND were HUGEE..If you dont own Hot August Night go buy it for 8 bucks and you will own one of the best live albums recorded. It was done in 72, it is a rock classic.
Well you certainly have an eclectic taste don't you? comparing one of the greatest songwriters/lyricist to a fucking...lounge singer? ugh...your ears must have turned to rust.
@BarstoolBlues33 LOL--- maybe you can point to one single performance diamond did in a lounge? or are you just perpetually confused? Know what your talking about dope? Have you heard songs like Lordy, the boat that I row, thank the lord for the nighttime, kentucky woman, you got to me, glory road, holly holy etc...these are all songs written and performed by ND and all great songs written in the 60's while Young was gettin goin. Learn something, its not a bad thing
Not only did Robertson and Diamond write this song, Robertson produced "Beautiful Noise", the album on which it appears. I'm not a big Neil Diamond fan, but I like this song (and some of the early material), and I think it made sense to have him appear on The Last Waltz.
Neil officially goes into the r and r hall of fame on monday march 14th--in two days. He will perform, it will be fun to see what set he decides upon from 74 top 100 songs. Congrats, long overdue
I don't know if he belonged there or not---it seems a little strange, but I know there was a connection to Robertson. Only thing I know is I love Levon Helms, the Band, , Bob Dylan, AND Neil Diamond. I don't ever try to compare them because I just can't do it. THey are all so different and so unbelievably talented in their own ways. Dylan's songs are more what I love, but "Sweet Caroline" as pop as it was, will always be one of my favorites.
It's three years !!! we can read, who is the best performer, Neil or Bob. Personnally, I have Neil's CD and Bob's CD. It's different. Actually, the two voices have changed and I prefer Neil, but it's only my own opinion.
@nnotbentt if that were was true, and with the bitter helm saying it, it is dubious- it is still solid- diamond is big time- period. Waters, and I luv him, was known but not huge- diamond at that time was as big as it gets. Read rolling stones article on hot august night a;bum on ND in 72 by lester bangs, he explained diamonds rise as a true heavyweight in the business. Robbie recognized it and this is a great song!---im drinking a beer right now.
@mugwamp4 diamond had Robbie produce his beautiful noise album, Neil and Robbie both decided it would be a album about the old days in new york and tin pan alley- they did co write it. The album if you listen to it is a nostalgic sound, with songs like if you know what I mean, beautiful noise, and this gem. Neil and Robbie knew each other from Woodstock days.
Diamond reportedly said to Dylan as he exited the stage from performing this piece "follow that". Dylan reportedly retorted "how, by going on stage and going to sleep?"
@jongkind1 I posted about this- diamond didn't say that either, he told dylan before Neil went on, that " hey bob, those are really my people out there" neil said he was joking around, bob looked at him in a smirkish way....diamond then did dry your eyes and dylan followed. Neil went on to say he think he spurred dylan's performance a bit. I think they competed being both in NY for about 8 yrs together. No big deal.
If you don't understand just how bad ass a song writer and performer Neil Diamond in his time, and what a tremendous impact he had on the music all of these folks made, then you don't understand shit about about American rock and roll.
No one could have a career as successful for as long as ND if he didn't have talent.
His music is not complicated or overly sophisticated and he might not be as talented as some of the musicians in terms of mastering the guitar but he'swritten some great tunes.
Ugh, Neil Diamond. What a big pile of monotone chest hair he is. I always skip over this part in The Last Waltz. I laugh at reading that Diamond walked backstage after this and said to Bob Dylan "Top that!" to which Dylan replied "What do I have to do, go on stage and fall asleep?". Neil Diamond = terribly overrated.
@11maebelle Diamond didn't say that nor did dylan say that, read below as diamond was asked about this fable from the rolling stone which called him asking for comment on his R and R induction- That said, dylan has been caled out by quite a few lately including joni mitchell who called him a fraud. I like bob but he isn't anywhere near the talent of a neil young etc and to me diamond was every bit the songwriter dykan was- if you skip this performance why are you here?
@jabb69 Because I was curious to see if I was alone in my thoughts on Neil Diamond. And apparently I'm not. And of course Diamond would deny that it was said. Would you want everyone knowing that Dylan owned you and knocked your massive ego down a peg?
@11maebelle You don't know diamond too well then...if he said it he would own it. I don't think anyone who is a fan of both would ever consider dylan owned him whatsoever. If anything diamond did a more poignant song then dylans songs like baby let me follow you down and forever young. Neils song here is brand new at the time and is without a doubt epic in both lyrical form and performance. Diamond without a doubt along with van morrison, and neil young put down the best perfomances there.
@jabb69 Well I won't argue any more on that, since Neil Diamond is apparently a close personal friend of yours and you know him so well. But, in my opinion, he doesn't deserve to share a stage with the likes of The Band, Dylan, Young, Morrison, Muddy Waters, Joni Mitchell, etc. He's too Vegasy, whereas the other artists are true folk rockers. Levon Helm has vocally expressed his disapproval at Diamond's participation. The only reason he was there was to feed Robbie Robertson's ego.
@11maebelle quit being a parrot of BS and learn it yourself- Diamond was the top seller on that frickin stage. He started out 10 yrs before that and at this time had 22 top 40 hits and 15 top 15 hits, he wrote songs in tin pan alley before he decided to do them himself. The only time he dis Vegas was in a Arena and open the Aladdin theatre in 76 to sell out crowds. All his music was rock roots. I admit he wore funny shirts and did get softer as got older. Neil is respected for his work here
@jabb69 Commercial success does not legitimize musical consequence. I don't give a shit how many records he's sold. Never liked Neil Diamond, never will. You like DIamond, more power to you. This conversation is boring me.
@11maebelle parrots bore easily, no need to apologize dear.. LOL, commercial success is no measurement of success in musical consequence? so what barometer is since you are here in the middle of a great rock performance condemning him- Sorry, you are a dingy broad. Goodbye for now.
@jabb69 This is the last I'll reply, since as I said, I'm incredibly bored by people trying to defend the genius of Neil Diamond. And because I have better things to do. If you'd see what I said, I said commercial success doesn't LEGITIMIZE musical consequence. See: Lady Gaga. Successful broad, not a lick of talent. That's how it isn't a measure. Like I said, you like him, I don't. Everyone's entitled to their opinion. So clean the sand out of your vagina and move on. I am. G'day.
@11maebelle Lady Gaga??? LOL- this was the 60's and 70's- he was a legitamate superstar at the time- this is not some ruse- have your opinion fine, just have some semblance of logic
@jabb69 Oh, and one last thing. If you're going to call someone a "parrot of BS", you first might want to stop quoting things that Rolling Stone magazine prints and pass them off as the definitive truth in a matter. Just makes you look like a hypocrite. And a fool.
@11maebelle Please define now in your everland of musical knowledge how now the rolling stone quote makes me a fool and a hypocrite you almighty dope? Explain.
@jabb69 Well, to me, calling someone a parrot of something usually implies that you think they're all about mimicry, but before you said that you passed information on from another source, and made it sound as though since it came from that particular source it was the truth and nobody should disagree. I think that indicates a degree of hypocrisy.
@11maebelle so in your book it is hypocritical to quote one half of a reported exchange in which diamond is quoted, the other half dylan has never said one word about- Give me a break!!!!!
Congratulations - Neil is indeed in the R and R hall of fame. He was nominated, and two weeks ago he go the call along with tom waits and Dr John and Alice Cooper. I am very happy for him. Below this I am going to quote what he told Bob Dylan at the last waltz, this came from the rolling stone as they reached him for comment on his induction!!!
@jabb69 I want to end by clearing up a persistent rock and roll urban legend about you. The story goes that you stepped offstage at the Last Waltz, saw Bob Dylan and said, "Top that!" Is that a complete fable?
Well, something like that happened. Actually, it was before we both went on. He was tuning his guitar and I came over to him and I said, "You know Bob, those are really my people out there." He kind of looked at me quizzically. I said it as a joke
@jabb69 continued- " but I think it spurred him a little bit and he gave a hell of a performance... It was a good night and an exciting night. I was glad to be a part of it " The great Neil Diamond
@jabb69 " but I think it spurred him a little bit and he gave a hell of a performance... It was a good night and an exciting night. I was glad to be a part of it " The great Neil Diamond
There was incredible mesmerising talent on show that night. ND held his own with the best of them both as singer and songwriter. Robbie himself called it a great song.
@plyitld24 In being completely serious, I think it is off to say ND is the best or better then others...Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton all had great performances--that said- ND was a big highlight as this song is brand new at the time and he absolutely rocks it! In hindsight it was pretty ballsy of him to walk in and do a brand new song at a concert such as this- I would have expected holly holy, cherry cherry etc He was more dylan then dylan himself with this song.
@jabb69 Sorry never said ND or NY was better than anyone......Simply said that this VIDEO (all together) ..LAST WALTZ ...Was and still is the very best music video ever procuced...if it ended up being put on this or a neil diamond song then i'm sorry.....and you are so right was ballsy of him ... hell...this video is way ahead of its time if you ask me....
@jabb69 Sorry never said ND or NY was better than anyone......Simply said that this VIDEO (all together) ..LAST WALTZ ...Was and still is the very best music video ever procuced...if it ended up being put on this or a neil diamond song then i'm sorry.....and you are so right was ballsy of him ... hell...this video is way ahead of its time if you ask me.... check out Van the man..........awesome.....
@plyitld24 I gotcha..it is the best music film ever made- hands down. Scorcese scored here, the band with its musical talent was maybe the best BAND to pull off al the different acts and styles. Here with dry your eyes the song is definitely diamond, the buildup is operatic but thrilling as the lyrics and music builds. Great performances in this deal, yes van was great! unfortunately he and his lawyers file copyright deals here, and so it is limited. Too bad he is a prick.
Diamond is a great performer and for a guy with his career and hits, he's incredibly modest. Refreshing in this day and age where it's all about hype and no substance.
Beautiful Noise - the Neil Diamond album produced by Robbie Robertson was probably his worst one. Robertson has had only one good album since leaving the Band. Neil Diamond's last album went #1. If only Robertson had the talent to match his inflated ego.
The only reason this guy was at the Last Waltz was because Robbie Robertson was producing his current album at the time. Robertson is a great songwriter and musician, but he's an even better business man. Many of the other musicians had no idea what he was doing there, including Ron Wood, Levon Helm, and Bob Dylan. Having him there made just as much sense as if they had brought out Barry Manilow.
@agilblom OHHH BS---that linkage and rationale is stupid, yes stupid- diamond is more accomplished then 90 percent on that stage and showed off the most profoundly written song of the night! Now go take stupid and ron wood and see if you can get free cup of coffee idiot. Diamond could shit out a better musician then ron wood LOL
@agilblom its not denial kid, because a aging broke drummer wrote a book and took shots at robertson and many others means nothing to me. Levon had a good career, had being the operative word. His comments about diamond are indeed stupid, during this yr in 76 diamond had at that time 20 top 20 hits, was a songwriting pillar from tin pan alley and his early days had nothing but rock roots. Thank God robbie had the brains to work with him and have him here! Levon is bitter- shame.
@agilblom oh and to be clear, diamond knew robertson and the band because trey hung out in 71 in woodstock-----it is clear neil and robbie were friends long before the beautiful noise album which neil and robbie talked about as robbie found himself in LA at about the time neil moved west
@jabb69 Hmm, sorry I can't post the link directly (Youtube's spam protection), but this video explains everything. Put a period where the [dot] is when you paste this into your address bar. tiny[dot]cc/iorv7
I love the discussions being had here on Neil D and Neil Y as well as our old friend Zimmy! Not sure why Bob is such a polarizing figure, but have been a huge fan for years. Especially of stuff like you find on the Blood On The Tracks album. For those that doubt his place as a legendary performer, all I can say is that I saw him once and was mesmerized.
@boodles1960 Blood on the Tracks is great. Got the album when it was released. I was fifteen years old. Sat in my room reading the lyrics. Good stuff.
Niel Diamond was one of the best song writers to come out of tin pan alley.....he was very well received at the concert...I was there and saw the "Bands Last Waltz concert in San Francisco back in 1976....it was one hell of a concert
Dylan is completely over-rated. Neil Diamond, Neil Young and just about every other performer who was at that show wrote better music and didn't sing through their anus.
As for Dylan. His songs are crap. He's lucky other artists find him interesting enough to cover his songs. And they all do a better job with them than he does.
@66tull LOL...If you think Dylan is crap then you know absolutely nothing about music. Everybody who was or is in music has done a Dylan song. It's too bad you are missing out on the most influencial artist of our time.
@bvallier100 I think his voice bothers people and they can't appreciate the words as well--- i remember hearing chimes of freedom and it was difficult to hear every word in that beautiful song....I got a book that had the lyrics and thought oh cool!..a few friends saw him at a fair about 10 yrs ago and could not believe how bad his voice was, it was shot. He was not my favorite, neil young is, but he certainly was a poet and voice for the people in his early days.
I listen to this song everyday since my mom was diagnosed with Melanoma Stage IV Cancer...out of nowhere. It is one of my two anthems of the day. It speaks to me like nothing else. Bittersweet.
@Colleenieful So sorry to hear! I lost one of my brothers to melanoma in 1987. My mom has survived lymphoma and colorectal cancer, on the other hand, so that was a blessing. I know how you feel, and you are in my prayers.
@Colleenieful you picked two great songs- by two great neil's--helpless y young is great---and these lyrics by diamond are mystical and whimsical---beautiful song by ND----best of luck sweet lady.
Neil was finally nominated for the rock n roll hall of fame, unbeliavable it took them this long-Now get him in, a collection of hall voters will vote on ND and others by january
The Tinpan Alley Legend that is Neil Diamond
shirl3ybc 2 weeks ago
I was 19 when this came out. Being the cool hippie type I was I'd never consider Neil Diamond as like, youknow, hip. This changed my mind completely. The man is a true legend, one of the greatest entertainers ever. I'm 54 now, and that stands as true today as ever.
dajesusblues 3 weeks ago in playlist one
fucking epic performance.
evolutionaryrealist 1 month ago
I love it that rock stars are cocky and competitive...funny how Bob Dylan always wins! What a line! I always thought this song was about being Jewish. Good to hear the truth, but mainly it is so great it can be about any old resurrection! I like that Neil wears what he want, whether hipsters agree or not. Sequins are not just for gay guys! They are for those who dare!
TheBeeLady007 1 month ago
@TheBeeLady007 ND said that did not happen, he told this to the rolling stone last yr, he said they were BSing back stage hour befor the they were going on, he told dylan with a smile," hey bob, those are really my people out there" to which bob shot him a wry smile---thats it according to ND. He also said they were friends. I like both guys, their contributions are huge. Joni mitchell hit dylan hard last yr, called him a fraud, not sure why she did that.
jabb69 1 month ago
tito los lob
MrLancelopes 1 month ago
The best!
dannyjock1 1 month ago
Love him. Don't care what he's wearing. I believe Robbie Robertson produced ND's "Beautiful Noise" album which "Dry Your Eyes" is from. It's a beautiful song.
bethany1014 2 months ago
I read Diamond strutted offstage and said "Follow that!" and Dylan replied "What do I have to do? Go onstage and fall asleep?" Forever Young blew him away!
I also hear Diamond and Streisand are victims of heavy duty mind control.....don't know about that but the "fallen angel who decended much too soon" sounds a tad dodgy.......great song nevertheless.
RitaMayish 2 months ago
@RitaMayish I was never much a fan of ND, but I just saw Last Waltz this weekend, and wanted to know what this song was really about. ND said in an interview that this song was dedicated to Martin Luther King. That puts the "fallen angel who descended much too soon", and infact the whole song, in a pretty intense context. My respect for ND has risen immeasurably as a result.
aaaaaaaaardvark 2 months ago
@RitaMayish Yeah, Neil never seemed that deep, more a Pop star. Most forget the Big Pink and all those tapes someone has, when Dylan played with these boys everyday for a few years. Thing is Dylan could have played the show!!! I love Robertson when Clapton "over rated" guitar comes unplugged and Rob blows his solo away in a minute. Awesome " Band"
jczother 1 month ago in playlist cody5
Maybe I'm the only one, but I think Neil looks petrified up there. He snotted off to Bob Dylan before performing that he was going to make the crowd his, then he went out on stage and barely even moved or acknowledged anyone else on stage. And I think his eyes are often closed behind those sunglasses. I love the song and the Band are terrific, but I admit I'm also fascinated by how aloof Diamond is while performing.
stacia99 3 months ago
@stacia99 Actually recetly he told the RS that he told dylan the people out there were really his people! LOL. He said he was joking with BD! I kinda like it! this song is very dylan like in my opinion, Petrified? nah, kinda cocky looking. I completely agree about the outfits he wears- I think it was weird, but thought maybe it was just the 70's, but then the sparkly shirts whch were just silly. His work was too good for that crap. Herb Tarlek! classic.
jabb69 3 months ago
God the arguments on this comment board are ridiculous. Most real and genuine musicians don't only run in wide and varied circles of friends and influences but their tastes in music are just as deep. Grow up people.
bughead3 3 months ago
You got me again, 240p.
rupturedtesticle 3 months ago
jabb69, I respect your opinion. I just don't happen to agree with it. The Rolling Stone's Top 100 artists of all time: Dylan is No. 2, Muddy Waters No. 17, Neil Young No. 34, Van Morrison No. 43, The Band No. 50, Eric Clapton No. 53, Joni Mitchell No. 60. Neil Diamond nowhere to be found. He's a pop singer. Good at what he did but not in the same class.
08shortstop 4 months ago
@08shortstop He has got his own class bro, so does Dylan, so does young-much like politics, we hang labels were there shouldn't be-Neil young isn't Metallica, nor is he Dylan, it is a style, a ability, etc. No offense but you cited a list, a list I do not subscribe too My ear is my indicator, and for the record I brought up his album sales as a sort of bench mark on ability, not a slam on any artist. Listen to diamonds early stuff, african triology, hot august night,live at the troubadour etc,
jabb69 4 months ago in playlist aladdin neil
@jabb69 continued and it may change your mind, so let me say sorry for calling you a dope, I thought u were being disrespectful, and quite frankly his contribution to music does not deserve it.
jabb69 4 months ago in playlist aladdin neil
@08shortstop The members of the Band chose Diamond to play their final concert, as their peer, and that of all those other luminaries, plus Ringo Starr, Bobby Charles, Dr. John, Ronnie Hawkins and Paul Butterfield (all of whom except Starr were likely not on Rolling Stone's list either). The respect of his fellow musicians is a far greater testament to Diamond's worth than some collective list drawn up by a bunch of rock critics.
hypersquared 3 months ago
@hypersquared
No Robbie Robertson chose Diamond to play the last waltz because Robbie Robertson is a douche.
leeharveyosmosis 3 months ago
@leeharveyosmosis he was there, you were not, you mean nothing--literally nothing.
jabb69 3 months ago
@jabb69
Josef Stalin was more important than me and probably got more pussy than I ever will. Does that make him a better person?
leeharveyosmosis 3 months ago
@leeharveyosmosis No you are simply not relevant- ND was there, is a superstar, was a headliner, robertson was the chief songwriter and lead guitarist of the band---the two were long friends, Robertson attended diamonds rock hall nomination---again, your point is mute--it means nothing. Its one thing not to like his music, its quite another to try to downplay his involvement, its as if people were afraid of him or his involvement here. Silly and downright stupid.
jabb69 3 months ago in playlist aladdin neil 2
@leeharveyosmosis hmmmm YES?
MegaShipoffools 1 month ago
@leeharveyosmosis Hmmmm....Yes?
MegaShipoffools 1 month ago
Neil Diamond had no place sharing the stage with the show's other true legends ... inexplicably included .... I know Robbie Robertson produced one of his albums, but please .... this pop-crap artist should have been made to buy a ticket.
08shortstop 4 months ago
@08shortstop LOL u r a freaking dope diamond if anything should have done at least 2 more songs like holly holy, solitary man etc--along with neil young he is the best talent on the stage---and get his dope, he sold more records then dylan and young---neil clocks in at 130 million albums sold, and if this is a pop song then u r dumber then originally thought. Neil was a centerpiece of this great concert, it hurts u huh? LMAO
jabb69 4 months ago in playlist aladdin neil
i like it!!
norvntelz1 4 months ago
I would like to let all know that if a comment is voted down enough times it will be deleted by youtube. and since people cannot think for themselves, they might notice the red thumb pointing down and follow like the good lemmings that they are and dislike the comment thereby avoiding all the disdain, and stinking up of the room!!
muddack 5 months ago
comment warriors suck ass! Neil Diamond. the subtle dynamic of this song is probably missed by most who give it a listen. the Jerks who do battle with comments are funny at best. I came here to hear a song.
muddack 5 months ago 5
@morningsideish1: So is Barry Manilow and Wayne Newton. All ya need is some good mafia connections.
TheBigDelicious 5 months ago
@morningsideish1 u get these comments from mostly people 30 under--they have zero clues about his skills in songwriting and his early rock n roll ascension-he and dylan were like two yrs apart from each other and both widely respected. Dylans songs were deeper, but ND songs hit the charts a lot higher and had great rhythm and build up-and his deeper songs like morningside,grass wont pay no mind, lady magdelene, were songs dylan/ young would have been proud to write! they are just dumb asses!
jabb69 6 months ago
@jabb69 - no but seriously, why was this schmaltzy vegas hack at this event? was vegas all booked that night? can you explain why he decided to go for that mid 70's serial-killer look?
mollkatles 5 months ago
@mollkatles Lay out your argument with some common sense ok dope? no one gives a fuck what u think here, u appear to be a waste of sperm and so when u comment work on laying out a argument to avoid getting another load in your face. Thanks
jabb69 5 months ago
@mollkatles Obviously you are a person of very little taste. I would love to see some of the younger bands touring how he does at 70, but most wont be able to because of drugs and booze ruined lives they have led.
mollydancer1 5 months ago
@mollydancer1 you can tell when the written word is to entice or incite===this loser is just here to incite---blow the punk off, he s used to the feeling of being ignored and ridiculed.
jabb69 5 months ago
@mollkatles I love Neil, but he was rocking that Herb Tarlek in sunglasses look as early as 1974, which is a shame. His stage wardrobe has always been a little horrifying. If you want to laugh until you cry, dig up some photos of him at the Winter Garden in 1972 in an all red cowboy outfit with gold lame and sequins glued all over. Or check out the red beaded pantsuit he wore on Shirley Bassey's show in '74. The salesman suit in Last Waltz is positively glamorous by comparison.
stacia99 3 months ago
Comment removed
TheBigDelicious 5 months ago
will ferrell ruined N.D. for me-
TELEthruVOXx 6 months ago
soooo corney
TELEthruVOXx 6 months ago
Written by Neil Diamond and Robbie Robertson.
rievans57 6 months ago
WOW! Neil was the best!
holly holy, i am i said, soolimon, be, canta libre, the hits just kept coming.
he was very mystical in his youth. At 70 i'm sure he won't return to those days but he knew how to move people.
Alsso, he is one of the few guitarists who know how to play the hell out of an F chord!
1broker 7 months ago
Comment removed
TheBigDelicious 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@1broker: Wow, he said, what an F...ing F chord! It is a very difficult chord to learn. You have to get at least 4 fingers in the right place.
Bobby and Lonesone Leonard C. are 70 and seventy plus.
They do it with minimal face paint and without elaborate Vegas orchestration.
TheBigDelicious 5 months ago
"I'M ONLY GOING TO SING ONE SONG...BUT I'M GOING TO SING IT GOOD!" N.D.
he's been "singing it good" for 40 years!
i hope he sings for 40 more!
"and a distant fallen angel who descended way to soon!"
"and it was more than being holy but less than being free!"
diamond was and is the greatest vocalist of the past 50 years!
helen bowdine
hbowdine 7 months ago
07 people are listening Reggaeton or Justin Beaber
opalap504 7 months ago
neil diamonds voice is probably one of the great voices in music history. and dry your eyes is just another example of mr cool.. he didn't have an 4 piece rock and roll band to support him on stage. he was a Solitary Man. look, i can hardly handle sweet caroline myself . listen to" I think its going to rain" Be" jazz singer Love on the rocks" and tell me his voice is weak.. best voice in music. I know.. I sing Neil's songs. look me up on you tube.. the people say I am F aMazing... cool thanks
SwainPatrick 7 months ago
According to Ron Wood, when N.D. walked off stage, he said to B.D. "Follow that, man" and Bob replied, "What you want me to do, walk on stage and fall asleep?".
forthome3 7 months ago 2
@forthome3 Heard that one too, and if it's not true, it should be!
lewiske 7 months ago
@lewiske From a 1989 interview in The Telegraph with John Bauldie: "Neil Diamond, who's one of my pet hates - in fact none of us could understand what he was doing there anyway - came off stage and Bob's just about to go on, and as he came off Diamond said "You're really going to have to go some to follow me,man, I was so great" and Bob says, "What do you want me to do, go on stage and fall asleep?".
forthome3 7 months ago
@forthome3 lol.....in fact, just why WAS N.D. there anyway?
lewiske 7 months ago
@lewiske I once red that Robbie co wrote a song with him and also produced one of his records. I suppose we should all give thanks that the show closed with I Shall Be Released and not Sweet Caroline!
forthome3 7 months ago
@forthome3 LOL u believe that? ND was quoted in a rolling stone interview last yr that he did say some things to dylan hours before the show= one was that diamond told dylan " you know bob, those are really my people out there" and dylan smiled nervously....diamond said it was in fun, no harm done and he and bob are friends. He was there cause he should be there, he was and still is one of the best songwriters and early rockers the usa has produced, this is a fact.
jabb69 7 months ago
@jabb69 If ND said that, it demonstrates perfectly that his people had different musical tastes from the fans of Dylan and the rest. ND is almost unique in that he is a MOTR singer who writes his own MOTR songs. There is nothing wrong in that, it's just that among all the performers at The Last Waltz, he was the only one and, in the words of Ron Wood, "none of us could understand what he was doing there".
forthome3 7 months ago
@forthome3 its funny to me,I could careless what ron wood has to say, I am trying to figure out what the stringed out looking fag in the white jumpsuit was doing there,seriously, what is his relevance to the band? wood is with the rolling stones and is a electric guitarist,so what the fuck is he there for? See what I mean-oh and I do not know what MOTR means man..if wood or others really desired the answers to that, go ask robbie---they met in woodstock in 71 and his song here is very relevant
jabb69 7 months ago
@jabb69 There is absolutely no reason at all why you should give two hoots what Ron Wood has to say, I was just reporting what he said in an interview.He and Ringo were invited to take part in the finale by Bill Graham. Middle Of The Road/mainstream. No one was desperate for any answers, it was just something they couldn't figure out, but no big deal.
forthome3 7 months ago
@forthome3 The reality is you would be hard pressed to not find this song really good, whether you liked ND or not, it is well written and has a feeling of nostalgia and a " newborn afternoon " to it. I don't get into the he does or doesnt belong BS-TO quote both dylan and diamond at one time or another- Hip is BS.You either did or did not,meaning if ron wood read anything he would have realized ND was huge in 76----probably more popular then anyone there except my favorite musician neil young
jabb69 7 months ago
@jabb69 continued, wood or helm had really no business saying shit, especially wood, he should be happy they let him in the winterland theatre in SF. I would get the comments if in fact this was a guy who did little, 4 yrs earlier he recorded hot august night one of the top albums of all time---a ROCK album--two album set Lester Bangs of the rolling stone called it one of the best albums he has heard. At this time he was BIG TIME. Ron Wood! yeaaaaa LOL. Good talking to you.
jabb69 7 months ago
6 people can't hear the people sing :|
ddeeffgg213 7 months ago 16
Dylan's follow-up to this performance was a nap.
guinnesstrail 8 months ago 3
he looks high behind his glasses. always thought that
rockinlady1111 8 months ago
"There are two types of people in this world: Those who like Neil Diamond, and those who don't".....Bill Murray in "What About Bob"
richiebear1969 8 months ago
Diamond's a cunt
tinsoldier26 8 months ago
@tinsoldier26 a cunt with 900 million and a cunt in the songwriters and R and R hall of fame- now tell me cuntess, what have u done?
jabb69 8 months ago 2
Ice Cherry :P
atworkbitch 9 months ago
@jabb69
LOL I'm not saying he's a bad songwriter, his lyrical skill and influence are undisputed. I'm just saying his voice has a certain...how shall I say...lack of believability. He sings like he's trying to sell me a used car: What he's selling sounds nice, but somehow I get the feeling that he's pulling a fast one on me.
ejatz 9 months ago 3
@ejatz fair enough, dylans voice was bad and as he aged it was beyond bad..nonetheless we all have different opinions. He wouldnt be diamiond without that voice too ME.
jabb69 9 months ago 2
I just realized something about Neil Diamond that may explain why he his sound just sort of grates at you...has anyone noticed that his singing voice uses the same over-stated hyper-throatiness as relatively recent unlisten-to-able acts like Nickelback or Creed? Neil Diamond's hammy singing may have been the inspiration for hammy singers of the future!
ejatz 9 months ago
@ejatz LOL, this may be the dumbest post of the last 5 yrs!- hyper throatiness and hammy singin! Heroin anyone? LMAO
jabb69 9 months ago
so funny that robbie can hardly slow down this slow... so legendary.
daveindenverco 9 months ago
Neil Diamond wrote some of the best pop songs ever sung, Bob Dylan wrote some of the most meaningful. They are both good on their own rights
jjkcharlie 9 months ago
@jjkcharlie Interesting comment, I read a article in the NY times when both dylan and diamond were in town on the same night--ND at MSG and BD at a Brooklyn concert hall..the writer compared the two----said diamond was as a FACT the 25th best hit maker in the world, dylan on the same charts, was like 229th in the world hits wise, he went on to say everyone looked at dylans writing and wanted it, so he had that edge, but he said diamond did what he wanted and did it real well- Hit after hit.
jabb69 9 months ago
why can't both Neils be awesome... ?
suysauce007 9 months ago
@suysauce007 They are! I think a lot of younger people have a distorted but somewhat accurate read on Neil D...meaning the guy with the sparkly shirt who sang that song with streisand......yet they do not realize his significance to early rock n roll and his tremendous success hit wise from 66 to 1980. Even his lesser known songs were very good. So in ignorance, and not owning his early stuff they degrade him. Young was and is still a rock pioneer, his crossover music proves that.
jabb69 9 months ago
The Bible and Gun Club anyone? Neil!!??!!
joejdrums 9 months ago
Unfortunately, the comments I made about Neil's saying that "For My Children" was pure fantasy (in the version I chose to comment about) is more true then many of us want to believe. It may not have been a table, but it was something made from our Father's hearts. Most gather around the lawyer's table. But if that strikes a negative chord in you, then "Come Dry Your Eyes". Dr. James C. Ronning PhD, MPH (Johns Hopkins Medical School and Hospital)
e61807 10 months ago
...is it possible to watch a band video on youtube and escape the psychotic anti-robbie brigade...?
...this negative energy just feeds on itself until yr raging for no reason at all...
...do you go and calmly make dinner after typing in some of this filth...?
fatschlamp1 10 months ago
I'm not sure if I like this song or not. I fell asleep before it finished.
johnestringer 10 months ago
I agree...Neil Diamond had no business at this concert. The most annoying thing is when people confuse ND with Neil Young like a friend of mine did when I asked if he listened to Neil Young...to confuse Neil Diamond with Neil Young is an insult to Neil Young...ergh.
BarstoolBlues33 10 months ago
@BarstoolBlues33 OH BS--- i am a big shaky fan, he is my favorite rocker writer around, BUT it is not at all insulting...ND has written over 600 songs with 74 top 100 songs---his early stuff was as good as youngs, the words and early performances by ND were HUGEE..If you dont own Hot August Night go buy it for 8 bucks and you will own one of the best live albums recorded. It was done in 72, it is a rock classic.
jabb69 10 months ago
@jabb69
Well you certainly have an eclectic taste don't you? comparing one of the greatest songwriters/lyricist to a fucking...lounge singer? ugh...your ears must have turned to rust.
BarstoolBlues33 10 months ago
@BarstoolBlues33 LOL--- maybe you can point to one single performance diamond did in a lounge? or are you just perpetually confused? Know what your talking about dope? Have you heard songs like Lordy, the boat that I row, thank the lord for the nighttime, kentucky woman, you got to me, glory road, holly holy etc...these are all songs written and performed by ND and all great songs written in the 60's while Young was gettin goin. Learn something, its not a bad thing
jabb69 10 months ago
Not only did Robertson and Diamond write this song, Robertson produced "Beautiful Noise", the album on which it appears. I'm not a big Neil Diamond fan, but I like this song (and some of the early material), and I think it made sense to have him appear on The Last Waltz.
edgarandron 10 months ago
Neil officially goes into the r and r hall of fame on monday march 14th--in two days. He will perform, it will be fun to see what set he decides upon from 74 top 100 songs. Congrats, long overdue
jabb69 10 months ago
I don't know if he belonged there or not---it seems a little strange, but I know there was a connection to Robertson. Only thing I know is I love Levon Helms, the Band, , Bob Dylan, AND Neil Diamond. I don't ever try to compare them because I just can't do it. THey are all so different and so unbelievably talented in their own ways. Dylan's songs are more what I love, but "Sweet Caroline" as pop as it was, will always be one of my favorites.
BJane58 11 months ago
so unbelievable. I love this song and this version of it just does something to me. or for me. mmmmmmm.........
bethany1014 11 months ago
It's three years !!! we can read, who is the best performer, Neil or Bob. Personnally, I have Neil's CD and Bob's CD. It's different. Actually, the two voices have changed and I prefer Neil, but it's only my own opinion.
YZ0007 11 months ago
Levon's book said they were gonna bump Muddy Waters to fit Neil Diamond on the show.
Nice one Robbie. Lookin' after #1.
"Neil's on, time for a beer run" Ha! Right on!!
nnotbentt 11 months ago
@nnotbentt if that were was true, and with the bitter helm saying it, it is dubious- it is still solid- diamond is big time- period. Waters, and I luv him, was known but not huge- diamond at that time was as big as it gets. Read rolling stones article on hot august night a;bum on ND in 72 by lester bangs, he explained diamonds rise as a true heavyweight in the business. Robbie recognized it and this is a great song!---im drinking a beer right now.
jabb69 11 months ago
why was neil diamond in the last waltz??/didnt know he had anything to do with the band
parts of this sound like a mix of forever young and chimes of freedom,,, not as good though.
mugwamp4 11 months ago
@mugwamp4 Neil and Robbie Robertson wrote this song together, so that is why he was a part of the Last Waltz
thorgod25 11 months ago
@thorgod25 ah so thats why it sounds like dylan lite,
mugwamp4 11 months ago
@mugwamp4 diamond had Robbie produce his beautiful noise album, Neil and Robbie both decided it would be a album about the old days in new york and tin pan alley- they did co write it. The album if you listen to it is a nostalgic sound, with songs like if you know what I mean, beautiful noise, and this gem. Neil and Robbie knew each other from Woodstock days.
jabb69 11 months ago
5 peaple never wrote a song in a dream life!!! Who cares 5 thumbs down,
DivingHawk1 1 year ago
NEILS THE GREATEST !!!
blueis42 1 year ago
one of the best performances on the album
CollisionsGirl 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
great song! surely one of the highlights of the night...this concert surely made history
TheGeneticMethod 1 year ago
great song! surely one of the highlights of the night...this concert surely made history
TheGeneticMethod 1 year ago
They would have made kermit famous or maybe they did
tonadene 1 year ago
@tonadene I agree, look what they did for dylan! kermit like voice too- great songwriter though
jabb69 1 year ago
It was a Neil Diamond song that launched the Monkees. The first single I ever bought in fact.
littleitalyblogspot 1 year ago
Diamond reportedly said to Dylan as he exited the stage from performing this piece "follow that". Dylan reportedly retorted "how, by going on stage and going to sleep?"
seriouslunchbox 1 year ago 8
i dont believe this to be true dylan wouldnt have said this about a remarkable singer songwrighter of diamonds calibre
jongkind1 9 months ago
@jongkind1 I posted about this- diamond didn't say that either, he told dylan before Neil went on, that " hey bob, those are really my people out there" neil said he was joking around, bob looked at him in a smirkish way....diamond then did dry your eyes and dylan followed. Neil went on to say he think he spurred dylan's performance a bit. I think they competed being both in NY for about 8 yrs together. No big deal.
jabb69 9 months ago
@seriouslunchbox bollocks ;)
utandaydar 5 months ago
If you don't understand just how bad ass a song writer and performer Neil Diamond in his time, and what a tremendous impact he had on the music all of these folks made, then you don't understand shit about about American rock and roll.
seriouslunchbox 1 year ago
No one could have a career as successful for as long as ND if he didn't have talent.
His music is not complicated or overly sophisticated and he might not be as talented as some of the musicians in terms of mastering the guitar but he'swritten some great tunes.
66tull 1 year ago
Neil's on, time for a beer run.
Nordberg1985 1 year ago
Ugh, Neil Diamond. What a big pile of monotone chest hair he is. I always skip over this part in The Last Waltz. I laugh at reading that Diamond walked backstage after this and said to Bob Dylan "Top that!" to which Dylan replied "What do I have to do, go on stage and fall asleep?". Neil Diamond = terribly overrated.
11maebelle 1 year ago
@11maebelle Yeah I hate Neil Diamond.. I always skip this part... and this is the worst part of the movie.
skitzoooo 1 year ago
@skitzoooo Indeed.
11maebelle 1 year ago
@11maebelle Diamond didn't say that nor did dylan say that, read below as diamond was asked about this fable from the rolling stone which called him asking for comment on his R and R induction- That said, dylan has been caled out by quite a few lately including joni mitchell who called him a fraud. I like bob but he isn't anywhere near the talent of a neil young etc and to me diamond was every bit the songwriter dykan was- if you skip this performance why are you here?
jabb69 1 year ago
@jabb69 Because I was curious to see if I was alone in my thoughts on Neil Diamond. And apparently I'm not. And of course Diamond would deny that it was said. Would you want everyone knowing that Dylan owned you and knocked your massive ego down a peg?
11maebelle 1 year ago
@11maebelle You don't know diamond too well then...if he said it he would own it. I don't think anyone who is a fan of both would ever consider dylan owned him whatsoever. If anything diamond did a more poignant song then dylans songs like baby let me follow you down and forever young. Neils song here is brand new at the time and is without a doubt epic in both lyrical form and performance. Diamond without a doubt along with van morrison, and neil young put down the best perfomances there.
jabb69 1 year ago
@jabb69 Well I won't argue any more on that, since Neil Diamond is apparently a close personal friend of yours and you know him so well. But, in my opinion, he doesn't deserve to share a stage with the likes of The Band, Dylan, Young, Morrison, Muddy Waters, Joni Mitchell, etc. He's too Vegasy, whereas the other artists are true folk rockers. Levon Helm has vocally expressed his disapproval at Diamond's participation. The only reason he was there was to feed Robbie Robertson's ego.
11maebelle 1 year ago
@11maebelle quit being a parrot of BS and learn it yourself- Diamond was the top seller on that frickin stage. He started out 10 yrs before that and at this time had 22 top 40 hits and 15 top 15 hits, he wrote songs in tin pan alley before he decided to do them himself. The only time he dis Vegas was in a Arena and open the Aladdin theatre in 76 to sell out crowds. All his music was rock roots. I admit he wore funny shirts and did get softer as got older. Neil is respected for his work here
jabb69 1 year ago
@jabb69 Commercial success does not legitimize musical consequence. I don't give a shit how many records he's sold. Never liked Neil Diamond, never will. You like DIamond, more power to you. This conversation is boring me.
11maebelle 1 year ago
@11maebelle parrots bore easily, no need to apologize dear.. LOL, commercial success is no measurement of success in musical consequence? so what barometer is since you are here in the middle of a great rock performance condemning him- Sorry, you are a dingy broad. Goodbye for now.
jabb69 1 year ago
@jabb69 This is the last I'll reply, since as I said, I'm incredibly bored by people trying to defend the genius of Neil Diamond. And because I have better things to do. If you'd see what I said, I said commercial success doesn't LEGITIMIZE musical consequence. See: Lady Gaga. Successful broad, not a lick of talent. That's how it isn't a measure. Like I said, you like him, I don't. Everyone's entitled to their opinion. So clean the sand out of your vagina and move on. I am. G'day.
11maebelle 1 year ago
@11maebelle Lady Gaga??? LOL- this was the 60's and 70's- he was a legitamate superstar at the time- this is not some ruse- have your opinion fine, just have some semblance of logic
jabb69 1 year ago
@jabb69 Oh, and one last thing. If you're going to call someone a "parrot of BS", you first might want to stop quoting things that Rolling Stone magazine prints and pass them off as the definitive truth in a matter. Just makes you look like a hypocrite. And a fool.
11maebelle 1 year ago
@11maebelle Please define now in your everland of musical knowledge how now the rolling stone quote makes me a fool and a hypocrite you almighty dope? Explain.
jabb69 1 year ago
@jabb69 Well, to me, calling someone a parrot of something usually implies that you think they're all about mimicry, but before you said that you passed information on from another source, and made it sound as though since it came from that particular source it was the truth and nobody should disagree. I think that indicates a degree of hypocrisy.
11maebelle 1 year ago
@11maebelle so in your book it is hypocritical to quote one half of a reported exchange in which diamond is quoted, the other half dylan has never said one word about- Give me a break!!!!!
jabb69 1 year ago
"Not sure why Bob is such a polarizing figure" ?? Ha! Ha! Some day my friend you will know.......
andy23822 1 year ago
Congratulations - Neil is indeed in the R and R hall of fame. He was nominated, and two weeks ago he go the call along with tom waits and Dr John and Alice Cooper. I am very happy for him. Below this I am going to quote what he told Bob Dylan at the last waltz, this came from the rolling stone as they reached him for comment on his induction!!!
jabb69 1 year ago 8
@jabb69 I want to end by clearing up a persistent rock and roll urban legend about you. The story goes that you stepped offstage at the Last Waltz, saw Bob Dylan and said, "Top that!" Is that a complete fable?
Well, something like that happened. Actually, it was before we both went on. He was tuning his guitar and I came over to him and I said, "You know Bob, those are really my people out there." He kind of looked at me quizzically. I said it as a joke
jabb69 1 year ago
@jabb69 continued- " but I think it spurred him a little bit and he gave a hell of a performance... It was a good night and an exciting night. I was glad to be a part of it " The great Neil Diamond
jabb69 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@jabb69 " but I think it spurred him a little bit and he gave a hell of a performance... It was a good night and an exciting night. I was glad to be a part of it " The great Neil Diamond
jabb69 1 year ago
not to mention, I believe Neil wrote this for this show. Could be mistaken.
taylorhippie 1 year ago
master writer & performer*****
hhhaller 1 year ago
There was incredible mesmerising talent on show that night. ND held his own with the best of them both as singer and songwriter. Robbie himself called it a great song.
auckland37 1 year ago
I've always admired this song, but then again, I've admired Neil Diamond ever since I was born.
CircleCityEric 1 year ago
Best video ever......if u think not tell me one better ty THE BAND
plyitld24 1 year ago
@plyitld24 In being completely serious, I think it is off to say ND is the best or better then others...Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton all had great performances--that said- ND was a big highlight as this song is brand new at the time and he absolutely rocks it! In hindsight it was pretty ballsy of him to walk in and do a brand new song at a concert such as this- I would have expected holly holy, cherry cherry etc He was more dylan then dylan himself with this song.
jabb69 1 year ago
@jabb69 I forgot to add van morrisons caravan which was also stunning!
jabb69 1 year ago
@jabb69 Sorry never said ND or NY was better than anyone......Simply said that this VIDEO (all together) ..LAST WALTZ ...Was and still is the very best music video ever procuced...if it ended up being put on this or a neil diamond song then i'm sorry.....and you are so right was ballsy of him ... hell...this video is way ahead of its time if you ask me....
plyitld24 1 year ago
@jabb69 Sorry never said ND or NY was better than anyone......Simply said that this VIDEO (all together) ..LAST WALTZ ...Was and still is the very best music video ever procuced...if it ended up being put on this or a neil diamond song then i'm sorry.....and you are so right was ballsy of him ... hell...this video is way ahead of its time if you ask me.... check out Van the man..........awesome.....
plyitld24 1 year ago
@plyitld24 I gotcha..it is the best music film ever made- hands down. Scorcese scored here, the band with its musical talent was maybe the best BAND to pull off al the different acts and styles. Here with dry your eyes the song is definitely diamond, the buildup is operatic but thrilling as the lyrics and music builds. Great performances in this deal, yes van was great! unfortunately he and his lawyers file copyright deals here, and so it is limited. Too bad he is a prick.
jabb69 1 year ago
Neil Diamond has an awesome unique voice, just great!
wanaply9 1 year ago
This is my absolute favourite Neil Diamond Song, Fantastic stuff, thanks for putting this up!
MidnightMinstrel 1 year ago
Neil Diamond- "yeah? my shit don't stink" :04
mikecappa 1 year ago
Let's not be afraid to say here it... Neil blows the other's away.... and imagine this a bazillion years ago.
emmyj31 1 year ago
Today is U.S. Thanksgiving Day, and it is November 25. This show was also on Thanksgiving Day in a year in which it fell on November 25.
rslitman 1 year ago
Diamond is a great performer and for a guy with his career and hits, he's incredibly modest. Refreshing in this day and age where it's all about hype and no substance.
66tull 1 year ago
People, does it MATTER who Neil Diamond is?
This song is GOD.
Whatupwidat 1 year ago
Beautiful Noise - the Neil Diamond album produced by Robbie Robertson was probably his worst one. Robertson has had only one good album since leaving the Band. Neil Diamond's last album went #1. If only Robertson had the talent to match his inflated ego.
66tull 1 year ago
The only reason this guy was at the Last Waltz was because Robbie Robertson was producing his current album at the time. Robertson is a great songwriter and musician, but he's an even better business man. Many of the other musicians had no idea what he was doing there, including Ron Wood, Levon Helm, and Bob Dylan. Having him there made just as much sense as if they had brought out Barry Manilow.
agilblom 1 year ago
@agilblom OHHH BS---that linkage and rationale is stupid, yes stupid- diamond is more accomplished then 90 percent on that stage and showed off the most profoundly written song of the night! Now go take stupid and ron wood and see if you can get free cup of coffee idiot. Diamond could shit out a better musician then ron wood LOL
jabb69 1 year ago
@jabb69 It's in Levon Helm's autobiography, This Wheel's on Fire. Enjoy denial.
agilblom 1 year ago
@agilblom its not denial kid, because a aging broke drummer wrote a book and took shots at robertson and many others means nothing to me. Levon had a good career, had being the operative word. His comments about diamond are indeed stupid, during this yr in 76 diamond had at that time 20 top 20 hits, was a songwriting pillar from tin pan alley and his early days had nothing but rock roots. Thank God robbie had the brains to work with him and have him here! Levon is bitter- shame.
jabb69 1 year ago
@jabb69 Thankfully, I'm not your kid. My parents have good taste.
agilblom 1 year ago
@agilblom No problem, I am thankful as well, it would be hard to go on claiming you!
jabb69 1 year ago
@agilblom oh and to be clear, diamond knew robertson and the band because trey hung out in 71 in woodstock-----it is clear neil and robbie were friends long before the beautiful noise album which neil and robbie talked about as robbie found himself in LA at about the time neil moved west
jabb69 1 year ago
@jabb69 Hmm, sorry I can't post the link directly (Youtube's spam protection), but this video explains everything. Put a period where the [dot] is when you paste this into your address bar. tiny[dot]cc/iorv7
agilblom 1 year ago
@agilblom doesnt work- doesnt matter either- what is, is- he was there and great.
jabb69 1 year ago
If anyone out there has a good version of "Out of the Blue" please upload it.
I think that is The Band's best tune.
66tull 1 year ago
I love the discussions being had here on Neil D and Neil Y as well as our old friend Zimmy! Not sure why Bob is such a polarizing figure, but have been a huge fan for years. Especially of stuff like you find on the Blood On The Tracks album. For those that doubt his place as a legendary performer, all I can say is that I saw him once and was mesmerized.
boodles1960 1 year ago 4
@boodles1960 Blood on the Tracks is great. Got the album when it was released. I was fifteen years old. Sat in my room reading the lyrics. Good stuff.
headstock48 1 year ago
Niel Diamond was one of the best song writers to come out of tin pan alley.....he was very well received at the concert...I was there and saw the "Bands Last Waltz concert in San Francisco back in 1976....it was one hell of a concert
Mygrassisblue01 1 year ago
Dylan is completely over-rated. Neil Diamond, Neil Young and just about every other performer who was at that show wrote better music and didn't sing through their anus.
66tull 1 year ago
Dylan's songa are crap?......, away and take your mouth to the toilet, utter gobshite you are ..
Isllwyn 1 year ago
As for Dylan. His songs are crap. He's lucky other artists find him interesting enough to cover his songs. And they all do a better job with them than he does.
66tull 1 year ago
@66tull LOL...If you think Dylan is crap then you know absolutely nothing about music. Everybody who was or is in music has done a Dylan song. It's too bad you are missing out on the most influencial artist of our time.
bvallier100 1 year ago
@bvallier100 I think his voice bothers people and they can't appreciate the words as well--- i remember hearing chimes of freedom and it was difficult to hear every word in that beautiful song....I got a book that had the lyrics and thought oh cool!..a few friends saw him at a fair about 10 yrs ago and could not believe how bad his voice was, it was shot. He was not my favorite, neil young is, but he certainly was a poet and voice for the people in his early days.
jabb69 1 year ago
Anyone who thinks Neil Diamond doesn't belong on stage with The Band is a putz..
If anything it's the other way around.
66tull 1 year ago
Neil Diamond is not a 'ham'. He is one of the greatest songwriters and hardest workers (still) in musics recent history
captaingoatbeard7 1 year ago
I listen to this song everyday since my mom was diagnosed with Melanoma Stage IV Cancer...out of nowhere. It is one of my two anthems of the day. It speaks to me like nothing else. Bittersweet.
Colleenieful 1 year ago
@Colleenieful So sorry to hear! I lost one of my brothers to melanoma in 1987. My mom has survived lymphoma and colorectal cancer, on the other hand, so that was a blessing. I know how you feel, and you are in my prayers.
whatanightmare1 1 year ago
@Colleenieful you picked two great songs- by two great neil's--helpless y young is great---and these lyrics by diamond are mystical and whimsical---beautiful song by ND----best of luck sweet lady.
jabb69 1 year ago
Neil was finally nominated for the rock n roll hall of fame, unbeliavable it took them this long-Now get him in, a collection of hall voters will vote on ND and others by january
jabb69 1 year ago
@jabb69 Amen and Amen!
shilo901 1 year ago
also Neil was known to some of his friends as the "The Hollywood Hillbilly"...
opendtuning 1 year ago