And if that diamond ring don't shine...

So, the concert of the century turned out to be a little less than what I had hoped. It was more like the concert of the week...maybe concert of the month.

I have to give the man credit...Neil is touring at age 67 (I mean sheesh, he's just barely older than my parents! Ha ha!). Even at age 32, I don't know how I would pull off a big long tour. I think that by the third city, I'd need adrenaline shots straight to the heart. So, I understand why his performance didn't include acrobatics and high kicks.

Still, Neil did a pretty nice job. The music was fabulous. The energy in the Xcel Center was crazy. The fans around me were all that I had hoped and dreamed (plenty of sparkle in the crowd!).

Neil worked the crowd with statements like "we're here to make a beautiful noise together" and "I'm here because of you" (as he pointed in every direction). He didn't break out many dance moves, in fact, for the most part, dancing was merely shuffling back and forth. He's really more of an arm movement kinda guy anyway. There was lots of pointing and hands in the air. I think that his biggest dance move was some stomping during "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" (which was a special encore piece).

Highest energy song was "Sweet Caroline". I don't believe that I have ever seen so many people with hands in the air waving in unison side to side. Cheesiest moments included "Comin' to America" with an eagle soaring on the big screen behind him, and "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" sitting alone at a table with water in a wine glass (seriously he sat there for maybe twenty seconds before he got up...scrap it Neil).

All in all, the concert was entertaining. Especially watching the crazy lady two rows down who danced the ENTIRE concert and argued with the ushers because she wanted to take pictures. I am glad that I was able to see Neil live...and I was very happy for him when the performance was over and he could take some Ibuprofen and go to bed.



Goodnight Mr. Diamond...goodnight.