Neil Diamond, a famous singer loved by many, hadn’t performed live for over two years because he got sick with Parkinson’s disease and had to stop doing concerts. But on March 7, 2020, he surprised everyone by showing up in Las Vegas at a special event called the Keep Memory Alive Power of Love gala. This event helped raise money for the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, and Neil sang seven of his popular songs for 1,500 important guests.
The songs he sang were “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Hello Again,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “Love on the Rocks,” “I Am … I Said,” “September Morn,” and “Sweet Caroline.” For “Sweet Caroline,” other famous singers like Sammy Hagar, Chris Isaak, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Katlyn Nichol joined him on stage. The crowd was so excited to see him!
This was Neil’s first time singing in public since August 12, 2017, in California, and his first big show in Las Vegas since May 17, 2015. That night, he was also honored along with Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson, who got an award for helping with medical research and other good causes.
Before Neil came out, the other singers performed some of his songs too. Billy Ray Cyrus sang “I’m a Believer,” Chris Isaak sang “Solitary Man,” Kenny Edmonds and Katlyn Nichol sang “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” together, and Sammy Hagar sang “Thank the Lord for the Night Time.”
Back in January 2018, Neil had told everyone he was retiring from live shows because of his sickness. He said, “I’m sad to stop touring after 50 years, and I’m so sorry to anyone who bought tickets for my next shows. But I’ll keep writing and recording music. Thank you to all my fans for supporting me—it’s been so good because of you.” Even though he stopped touring, this surprise night in Las Vegas showed how much he still loved singing and how much his fans still loved him!
