A Q&A with Neil Diamond
Oct 17, 2023
A few months ago, we asked Neil Diamond and A Beautiful Noise fans to submit questions they had for Neil. And after reviewing hundreds of questions across Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X, sending them to Neil Diamond to review and answer, we are thrilled to share his responses to 10 questions.
QUESTION #1
LINDA W: I saw the show 4 times in Boston and cried at every performance. Did you cry after seeing part of your career/story performed on stage?
NEIL DIAMOND: Hi Linda, thank you for your question. I did tear up the first time I saw the full performance in rehearsals. It was surreal to see my life playing out in that way and it brought up so many feelings… of nostalgia, some regret, some sadness, some joy. I was emotional.
QUESTION #2
LUCY S: What’s your favorite part of A Beautiful Noise?
NEIL DIAMOND: Thanks Lucy. I think my favorite part of A Beautiful Noise is the ending when both Neils come together and the final scene where there is some resolution. I love when the two Neils sing together in a triumphant final scene.
QUESTION #3
BE W: One of my favorite songs of yours is the song called “Walk on Water.” My question is: What is it exactly about? It feels like it is a holy tribute to your mother, but I could be wrong. What’s behind the story behind “Walk on Water?”
NEIL DIAMOND: Hi Be, that is an interesting question. I do not know that there is a specific answer to that but I bet if you spoke to my psychiatrist, she could tell you if it is about my mother.
QUESTION #4
PAM R: Of your vast collection of work, have you got a favorite album?
NEIL DIAMOND: Hi Pam, with 40 or so albums, each representing a different time in my life, it’s hard to choose a favorite but I will say that Hot August Night is up there as one of my top picks.
QUESTION #5
LUCY S: Is there anything that didn’t make it into A Beautiful Noise?
NEIL DIAMOND: There is a lot that did not make it. It is hard to narrow down a lifetime into a two-act show with twenty-something songs. We had to decide on a direction and stick to it.
QUESTION #6
SANDY R: Been listening to the soundtrack almost daily with Mom since her brain surgery on June 6th. It sounds like many of your songs were written to represent significant episodes in your life. All of your songs are beautiful and addicting. I now have a different insight/respect when I listen to them. Which song has the most meaning to you in respect to the importance of your life events?
NEIL DIAMOND: Thanks for this question, Sandy. I hope that your Mom is on the mend. I am, I said was one of the hardest but most significant and important songs for me personally. It was a turning point for me because it was the first time I consciously and intentionally wrote a song about myself which is probably why it was such a struggle to write.
QUESTION #7
RUTH G: First, I would like to thank you for the joy and comfort your beautiful music has given me since I first heard Solitary Man all those years ago. In addition to the songs you have written, you have covered many songs. Which is your favorite of those songs and what made you choose to record it? Thank you for your time and thank you for every song, every concert, every smile.
NEIL DIAMOND: Thank you for your question. I really enjoy doing covers, I get all the joy of singing the song but none of the struggle of writing it. I cannot say that I have a favorite, it depends on my mood, but some of my favorites include Randy Newman’s “I Think It’s Going To Rain Today” and “Feels Like Home”, Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel Like My Love”, and my go-to karaoke song “I Dreamed A Dream” from Les Miserables.
QUESTION #8
LUCY S: What do you want people to take away from A Beautiful Noise?
NEIL DIAMOND: You do not have to be a frog or a king, life can be fulfilling somewhere in between. I would like for people to leave the show feeling inspired and joyful.
QUESTION #9
CAROLYN R: Hello, Neil. I’m Carolyn. I’m 91 years old and I’ve been a fan of yours forever. I just want to know what prompted you to write “I Am… I Said”? I’ve seen you 13 times in concert.
NEIL DIAMOND: Hi Carolyn, thanks for your video and for coming to see my concerts 13 times! It’s nice to see your collection of albums. I don’t know what prompted me to write “I Am, I Said” or any of my songs for that matter. They mostly just come out on their own. Some songs have hints of inspirations but mostly I don’t know what they’re about until years later. I did know that “I Am, I Said” was about me though, while I was writing it.
QUESTION #10
LAUREN A: Which singer or singers have inspired you as you were growing up, and now as an adult? Who are some of your favorite musicians that you look up to and you enjoy listening to?
NEIL DIAMOND: Hi Lauren from New Jersey! I hope you loved the show. I am flattered and honored that you consider me your favorite artist. When I was a teenager at Surprise Lake camp, Pete Seeger, who lived nearby and who had attended the camp when he was younger, showed up with a banjo and sang for our group of about 20 kids. That was an inspiring moment for me. I loved Pete Seeger/The Weavers and The Everly Brothers. I admire great songwriters but do not listen to a lot of music especially when I am writing so I do not get distracted.