Neil Diamond, 84, Surprises LA Audience With ‘Sweet Caroline’ Rendition

Neil Diamond made an unannounced appearance at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles over the weekend, joining the cast and audience of the biographical production “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” for a sing-along of his 1969 hit “Sweet Caroline.” Video shared by the production shows the 84-year-old singer rising from his seat as lead actor Nick Fradiani introduced him, sparking a standing ovation before Diamond led the crowd through the chorus. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has rarely performed in public since retiring from touring in 2018 after revealing a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Saturday’s brief rendition marked one of his few on-stage moments in seven years, underscoring both the enduring popularity of his catalog and the challenges posed by the progressive neurological condition. Diamond, who has sold more than 125 million records worldwide, thanked theatergoers for their support before resuming his seat.