The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales

On stage; 8.18pm
Off stage; 10.15pm
Concert time; 1hr 57mnts.

Neil wore; Dark Grey jacket crocodile style pattern, Black shirt with panel of silver sparkling beads down chest

Neil Diamond delighted a huge audience in Cardiff tonight when he made his debut at the impressive Millennium Stadium, finally fulfilling the hopes and dreams of his dedicated Welsh fans, who had waited decades for this moment and who during previous tours made regular trips to Birmingham, Manchester, London and venues much further afield in order to see the legendary performer in concert..

Stepping onstage to an enormous ovation from a supercharged crowd of 25,000 Neil had to wait some time before he could even start to sing, and the first words he said were “Thank you Cardiff” before he began with One more bite of the Apple the first of several songs from his acclaimed new album. Neil was so pumped up as he made his way down the stage he had the tiniest of missed steps as he went aboard his wonderful little island, but ever the quick witted professional he shouted “I’m falling for Cardiff” and moved smoothly into more familiar territory with the gospel flavoured Holly Holy and already the cheers of appreciation were ringing round the enormous arena.

The Welsh are world renowned for their love of singing and were delighted to provide a rousing supporting choir for the classic Beautiful Noise after Neil talked of his own home city and delivered the hint of the great tune.

The impressive arena had the roof closed for this show and Neil talked about how he had never played Cardiff before, and that he and the band would do all the songs they could and leave their hearts here, this news was wildly received and then Love on the Rocks brought the noise levels up and Neil looked absolutely delighted at the response!

Then Neil talked about how he liked to wander around the stage and how he was always attracted to the noisiest areas; this started a deafening contest between various sections as Neil teased each area before again springing a surprise by singing the beautiful Play Me for the first time on the tour, and the warmth of the reception from this fantastic audience showed how many people love the song!

Then Neil said how he felt cold and that it was very windy, and he asked how that could be possible in such an arena and of course the only way to warm up was to get up and dance! Cue Cherry Cherry and seats were instantly vacated! The band were generously applauded as they displayed their considerable talents as a team and independently and simply everyone looked like they were having the best time ever with Hadley in outstanding form, even by his high standards.

Thank the Lord for the Nighttime helped the party along as Neil revelled in the atmosphere while presenting this wonderfully re-worked version of the great 60s rocker.

Neil then dipped back into the wonderful Beautiful Noise album for the fantastic If you know what I mean, and again the crowd went wild in appreciation of a truly great song delivered by the master at the peak of his powers

There was generous approval for the mere mention of Neil’s new album and the beautiful Home before Dark was an instant hit while the catchy Don't Go There and Pretty Amazing Grace were greeted with acclaim, and it would be fantastic to see even more people stand and dance to the latter than those who already enjoy it so much that they cannot sit through it!

Nothing has set the pulses racing during this tour like the nostalgic reference to The Greek Theatre and Neil’s classic Hot August Night album and both Crunchy Granola Suite and the fabulous Done Too Soon had fans on their feet and dancing enthusiastically before Red Red Wine slowed the pace while the quality stayed high

Brooklyn Roads showcased Neil at his storytelling best while I Am.. I Said.. lifted the roof on the great stadium and the response was again breathtaking, Neil again looking stunned at the amazing crowd reaction that once more caused him to wait before he could complete the great anthem! Solitary Man had everyone dancing and clapping along again as Neil completed a wonderful Triple Crown in an arena that is very familiar with such triumphs!

Forever in Blue Jeans and the perpetual favourite Sweet Caroline allowed this wonderful Welsh choir to sing and dance in joyful abandon, as Neil “filled it up with just about 24,618” and the ovations were so long and loud that yet again, despite his attempts at protest he reprised Sweet Caroline before confirming at the end that it was in his opinion So Good So Good So Good! Then we all settled down to enjoy the exquisite beauty of You don’t bring me Flowers and witness Neil and the impressive Linda at their dramatic best.

Song Sung Blue saw the crowd up again and swaying in unison as Neil & Linda were joined by the indefatigable Maxine & Julia to oversee the celebrations that continued as the pace grew even faster. Now this entire band is great, and we think they know how much we fans appreciate them, but there are times, often unreported, when an individual stands out. Tonight was one such occasion and It was awesome to witness the immense energy and joy that simply explodes from Julia Waters during I’m a Believer. The classy Maxine and Linda certainly gave everything but I wish I could have bottled and marketed Julia’s performance tonight, it truly was phenomenal!

Man of God again triumphed as the response of the crowd acknowledged its quality and then Hell Yeah stood tall and proud in glorious splendour as Neil set it free in such an inspiring way that made every single nerve in thousands of souls tingle!

This great arena rose as one to acknowledge one of the true giants of our time as Neil stood there, guitar held high over his head in triumph, looking like a man who had set out to win approval and achieved something so much greater still! The applause was loud, long and from the heart and soul of a great crowd, and even before Neil disappeared at the back of the stage they were willing him back!

Return he did, and how, as, jacket off, and now with that great plum coloured shirt with the chest panel pattern to simply die for, he fired Cracklin’ Rosie up into the cool Cardiff night to guarantee further celebrations that might have been heard far beyond the city limits!

If there is a latter day venue for the preacher to pitch his ragged tent then tonight the search for such a spiritually uplifting place may just have ended as an awesome Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show touched each and every one in a thousand different ways, a truly overwhelmingly joyous experience!

Yet again the acclaim was loud, long, and heartfelt; perhaps more so here than ever before as so many in this extraordinary crowd, who had waited so long for this great happening seemed reluctant to let go of the moment. Eventually Neil did leave with the joyous sounds ringing in his ears, followed shortly by his band, friends, fellow travellers and talented musicians all. And then, slowly as always, with many a backward glance, the great crowd, satisfied beyond desire, drifted out into the night with uplifted hearts, to dream again of this special time filled with its Beautiful Noises.

Tonight's playlist; TO BE CONFIRMED

#1;One more bite of the Apple/Holly Holy; #2;Beautiful Noise; #3 Love on the Rocks; #4; Play Me; #5; Cherry Cherry #6;Thank the Lord for the Night time #7; If you know what I mean #8; Home Before Dark; #9; Don't go there; #10 Pretty Amazing Grace; #11; Crunchy Granola Suite; #12; Done Too Soon; #13; Red Red Wine #14; Brooklyn Roads; #15; I Am.. I Said..; #16; Solitary Man; #17; Forever in Blue Jeans; #18; Sweet Caroline; #19; Sweet Caroline (Reprise) #20; You don't bring me Flowers; #21 Song Sung Blue; #22; I’m a Believer; #23; Man of God; #24; Hell Yeah; WALK-OFF; #25; Cracklin’ Rosie; #26; BROTHER LOVE'S TRAVELLING SALVATION SHOW; Final walk-off Band Walk-off