Neil Diamond played a surprise show earlier this week, making the appearance his first in native Brooklyn. And for added excitement, he held the gig at his former high school.
Fans who were able to score one of the coveted tickets were treated to classics like "Love on the Rocks," "Forever in Blue Jeans" and "Sweet Caroline" as well as a few new tunes from his upcoming album due out on Oct. 21, Melody Road. The show (see below) was held at his alma mater Erasmus High School, the same place Barbra Streisand and Clive Davis attended, Billboard reports. Diamond revealed at the beginning of the concert, which was held in Erasmus Hall, that the location held special significance to him as it was the first time he decided to take up the piano after hearing a classmate play. "This is a meaningful place," he said. "My mind changed in this place" (he also revealed the motivation to join the chorus: "I thought it was a great place to meet girls").
For most of the performance, Diamond was joined by the entire audience on fan-favorite sing-alongs, but he was able to squeeze in a few new ones they didn't know. "I love doing something you know," he said, "but I really love doing songs you've never heard before -- because I can sing them alone."
Melody Road is Diamond's 32nd studio album and his first with Capitol Records. Check out the tracklist below.
01. Melody Road
02. First Time
03. Seongah and Jimmy
04. Something Blue
05. Nothing but a Heartache
06. In Better Days
07. Ooo Do I Wanna Be Yours
08. Alone At The Ball
09. Sunny Disposition
10. Marry Me Now
11. The Art of Love
12. Melody Road (Reprise)
