Music legend Neil Diamond recently made an appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show, where he shared some fascinating insights from his 40 years on tour. The interview was filled with laughter, interesting anecdotes, and of course, great music.
One of the most intriguing revelations was Diamond’s unconventional method of songwriting. Unlike many artists who rely on computers, Diamond writes all his songs longhand. He explained that although he received his first computer in 1984 and initially found it fascinating, a crash that resulted in the loss of 80 pages of his autobiography made him lose trust in technology. Ever since that incident, he has stuck to writing his music by hand, finding comfort in being able to erase and correct any problems without the fear of crashes.
Diamond’s dedication to his craft is evident in the massive collection of songs he has accumulated over the years. He confessed to keeping all the original pages of every song he has ever written. When asked where he stores them, Diamond humorously replied, “I have bags and bags and bags of songs.” However, he clarified that he doesn’t use shopping bags for storage but rather carries them along when he visits the studio. It’s clear that Diamond cherishes every piece of his musical journey and embraces the nostalgia that comes with it.
As the interview continued, Diamond revealed that he has been touring for an astounding 39 years. When Ellen jokingly referred to it as 40 years, Diamond playfully corrected her. This exchange highlighted the fun atmosphere of the interview and demonstrated Diamond’s lighthearted nature. Despite his long tenure on the road, Diamond admitted that he genuinely enjoys every moment. To keep things fresh, he and his band make sure to have a lot of fun along the way.
Diamond recounted a memorable incident where a fire alarm forced the evacuation of the hotel he was staying at during a tour. Instead of letting the inconvenience ruin their day, Diamond and his friends decided to make the most of the situation. They stumbled upon a hat store across the street and went in to explore. Diamond generously offered to buy everyone a hat, jokingly saying, “The hats are on me.” They each picked out a wild hat, and Diamond playfully bet his bandmates $14 to wear their chosen hats on stage. The result was a hilarious photoshoot of the entire group wearing their unique headgear during performances. To Ellen’s surprise, Diamond even brought her a Viking hat with horns as a gift, enticing her to wear it herself.
The chemistry between Neil Diamond and Ellen Degeneres was palpable throughout the interview. They exchanged playful banter and continuous laughter, making it a truly entertaining segment for their viewers. As the interview drew to a close, Diamond gifted Ellen an Ellen Degeneres puppet made by one of his fans as a token of appreciation. The joy and camaraderie between the two stars was a delight to witness.
Neil Diamond‘s tour continues throughout the month of December, promising audiences unforgettable performances and an opportunity to immerse themselves in his musical legacy. Each audience member attending his shows will receive the official Neil Diamond tour book, a testament to Diamond’s generosity and his dedication to his fans.
Neil Diamond‘s interview on The Ellen Degeneres Show reminded us why he is a true icon in the music industry. His unique songwriting process, his dedication to preserving his musical history, and his infectious sense of humor are all part of what makes him a beloved figure. With a career spanning decades, Neil Diamond continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his remarkable talent and undeniable charm.
Originally aired on November 28, 2005
