At 84 years old and living with Parkinson’s disease, legendary singer-songwriter Neil Diamond gave fans an unforgettable surprise during A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical at Los Angeles’s Pantages Theatre.
On July 12, 2025, during the curtain call of the matinee performance, Diamond — who retired from touring in 2018 after announcing his Parkinson’s diagnosis — rose from his seat in the audience to sing his 1969 hit “Sweet Caroline.” Wearing a casual baseball cap and jacket, he led the full theatre in a joyous sing-along, ending in a thunderous standing ovation.
Though he no longer tours, Diamond has stayed creatively active. This impromptu performance showcased his enduring vocal power and spirit, proving his resilience in the face of health challenges. Fans called the moment both emotional and uplifting, noting how vibrant and joyful he looked.
“Sweet Caroline” has long been a cultural anthem, from Fenway Park in 2022 to countless other special occasions. Hearing Neil himself lead the song live again created a powerful sense of connection and celebration for everyone in attendance.
Nick Fradiani, the American Idol alum portraying Diamond in the musical, reflected on the experience:
@disway800 Wow! What a great surprise! #neildiamond #neildiamondmusical #pantagestheatre #sweetcaroline #musical
“I built up this day in my head for over 2 years… I felt honored and fulfilled. He’s a great man… he’s changed so many of our lives.”
Social media quickly lit up, with fans calling it “magic,” “unforgettable,” and “a moment of a lifetime.” The musical’s official Instagram added, “a moment we’ll never forget.”
Leave a Reply