The crowd knew the words, and he was the tune.
Celebrating a career spanning half a century, Neil Diamond continued his 50th Anniversary World Tour in Salt Lake City on Sunday to throngs singing along to his award-winning songs inside Vivint Arena.
Before appearing on stage, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee treated cheering audiences to a projected portrait reel of Diamond from childhood and through his career. As the 76-year-old concluded his delicate serenade of "Play Me" in the first half of the show, the singer-songwriter paused momentarily to recognize a standing ovation.
"I appreciate it. I'm gonna get spoiled, and we're gonna have to stay very late tonight," Diamond said to the audience with a laugh, to which fans responded with wild applause.
Joining the Grammy Award-winner on stage was his 11-piece band and two backup singers. What does one get when mixing a brass quartet, two percussionists, a keyboardist, some guitar players and the commanding vocals Diamond's sound is known for? A dynamic audience reacting to every subtle sashay across the stage, every hanging pause between words and every casual glance — is precisely what one would get.
Diamond performed for the crowd, adding a tension and drama to many songs really only possible in a live show atmosphere where a skilled performer reads the crowd in real-time. Clear shout-outs of "I love you Neil!" from men and women audience members punctuated the banter between songs as Diamond charmed on to the next tune — occasionally blowing kisses to nearby audience members.
The Salt Lake performance included a special rendition of "Brooklyn Roads," a place Diamond frequently referred to as home during the concert as he transitioned between songs. The somber number transported fans to a bygone era of vintage family home video clips of an infant Diamond and his parents. Audience members looked on to see an adolescent Diamond playing with his brother and continued with other happy family moments of togetherness.
The presentation offered loyal, long-time fans an inside and up-close view of the pop culture icon and shared Diamond's life to them in a way that was personal and intimate — a remarkable feat considering the near-20,000 seating capacity of the venue.
With scarcely an empty seat in the house, Diamond concluded the show and exited the stage to a grand, standing ovation. But the crowd called him back for more.
Diamond saved some of the best for last and performed "Sweet Caroline," "Cracklin' Rosie," "America" and "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" for the encore call.
After singing the final lyrics to "Sweet Caroline," the seasoned performer revived the chorus not just a second time but surprised the crowd with a third chorus revival to the hit song. The three-note kicker after the titular lyrics — always a fan favorite.
Performing a 20-plus song set list lasting more than 90 minutes, the 76-year-old commanded the stage and showed what the lasting relationship between fan and artist can do to enliven even the most nostalgic musical moments.
Casey Adams is a features writer and reporter for Deseret News. Contact him at cadams@deseretnews.com or (801) 236-6068 or on Twitter @casey907.