Neil Diamond Talks About New Tour And Album

NEW YORK — Neil Diamond, who is releasing a new album next month and embarking on a new tour this summer, says both projects mark the best _ and hardest work _ of his career.

"This is the most technically challenging show that I've ever done," Diamond told The Associated Press in a phone interview Monday. His upcoming tour kicks off July 19 in St. Paul, Minn., and is scheduled to end Oct. 30 in Jacksonville, Fl.

The tour will include performances in Chicago, Detroit, New York, Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles and Houston.

As for the album _ "Home Before Dark," due out May 6 _ Diamond said: "This record represents a giant step in my evolution as a writer and a recording artist ... you will see I've gone deeper. It was more painful to write this _ maybe the most difficult album I've ever written, and maybe my best."

For "Home Before Dark," the music legend reunited with Grammy-winning producer Rick Rubin, who was at the helm of his critically acclaimed 2005 CD, "12 Songs." Diamond, 67, said he felt more confident recording the new disc _ but not because of its predecessor's good reviews.

"Critical acclaim is always helpful, any kind of encouragement for an artist is helpful, but my music is going to be written or recorded with or without critical acclaim," he said. "I appreciate it when it comes, but it will not stop me for a moment when I don't get it. It's unpredictable."

Instead, it was the growing relationship between Rubin and Diamond that provided the boost.

"That first `12 Songs' album was more of a testing of the waters and a `getting to know you' album," he said. "This one is `we know each other and respect each other and let's try and knock people's socks off,' and that's what we went for, and that's what we (did)."

Diamond plans to debut several songs from the CD on his tour, but he also promises plenty of his classic hits, which include "Sweet Caroline," "Love on the Rocks" and "September Morn."

"It's always difficult to introduce new music in a show, but not this time around," he said. "This music suits itself perfectly for the show, and I think these songs will go over beautifully with the audience, and they will get as many hits as well."

Diamond said fans will be wowed by the show, which includes what he calls "technical wizardry ... we can do things on this stage that we've never dreamed were possible."

Still, when asked to give details, Diamond was mum.

"I can't, because then I'd give it away, and then there's the surprise factor," he said. "I want people to come and see it. You have to be there, you have to experience it."

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On the Net:

Neil Diamond:

http://www.neildiamond.com

Comments

[unmutual]

I was weened on punk rock. My musical tastes are varied and I've been to see many concerts over the years. I saw Neil Diamond at MSG a few years ago and it was one of the best shows I've ever experienced. Neil rocks.

[bac]

His old songs were really very good when he could actually sing. But he has stopped singing quite a while back. Just talks or grunts through his songs. Very annoying, but some people still seem to like it. Don"t blame him though for trying to make some more money!

[auramac]

His last album and live performances on AOL Sessions proved that the collaboration with Rubin is the perfect catalyst for his artistic rejuvenation- best stuff he's done since the 60's. Awesone singer, songwriter, guitarist. I can't listen to his Vegas period- but if this album is even better than "12 Songs"- we're in for a real treat. Prepare to be blown away.

[nitpicker]

Plaleeze. Have you heard him lately? All flash cause the music is iffy. The range went from two octives to part of one. I was a terrific fan. Still am for his early albums. I choose to remember the work before satin shirts and scarves. Someone led ole' Neil down the wrong path years ago and I'm betting he's still on that road--heading to Obscureville. By the way anyone remember the movie, anyone, anyone? Better you don't remember. "I hef no son." No acting ability either.

[pinkyboo]

I've seen Neil twice once in the 80's and once in the 90's- he puts on a helluva show!

[visualizechimpeachment]

His brain is completely weed-baked and he he looks old as Methuselah. But "Hot August Night" is a great record. Best to remember him that way.