This is not just a song, it's a production - it needs the full orchestra to get the majesty of it out there. Not too many voices could live with all those musicians - but Neil Diamond can. This has long been one of my favourites and it's wonderful to hear it again.
I saw Neil Diamond in 1976 in Australia,(Sidney Myer Melbourne Music Bowl) I was an excited young man of 3. I got off my Mum's lap, possibly in Sooliamon- I am a drummer and always have been, I made ten rows down to the front of the stage. I can't really remember Neil's happy comments, but I can remember Mum scooping me up. I possibly went to sleep for the rest of the gig. We got a Fokker F 27 on the way home and we sat next to the engines and it was the first headache I had but, thanks Neil.
I think this IS the best performance of this song. I don't know if it's the setting, the performance or a combination of both that makes this so fascinating. It has a dream like feel.
Neil said, probably 40 years ago, that this song has magic... and I believe it does! I know that pretty much every performance of it that I'VE ever seen is magical to me... just takes you to another place... and watching Neil, feeling, so passionately, every single word - it's just, well, magical!! 🪄🌟💖👏👏👏
An amazingly talented and humble artist. I never tire of listening to his incredible catalogue of music.. He was born to be famous... This is by far the best version of this song I have listened to.
If this isn't the best damn version of this awesome masterpiece live, then it's in the top-3, bar none! Hot August Night: Neil's vocals were raw, dynamic, the man was bringing it that night and the arrangement was fantastic. But this version was powerful and somewhat closer to the original studio release (my all-time favourite, the best!). And Neil brought something different this time with the vocals: I don't know if it was the venue, the audience or even the orchestra, but he came up with a new vibe to this performance, I don't think I've ever saw nor heard him do, but it was incredible, and unbelievably moving. Perhaps less was more: No backing vocals (which can and has been a distraction at times), and this time with the BBC Orchestra arrangement, Neil went back to the past and brought that old-time gospel that was Neil Diamond from the 1969 -1973: A Man & His Music, Both On Fire. And it works so damn good. Kicking Ass!
I also love the 76 Love at the Greek - especially because you can SEE (and feel!) how much he gives when he performs this song!! Truly magnificent! (and watch the LATG performance through to the follow up, I Am I Said... My God! That he could even stand up after that is a miracle... the man is Magic!!! (And for anyone who doesn't think that Neil is an amazing singer... suck on that!)ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-trF4IFS0JT0.html
This version is superb live, and is definitely right up there with the BEST of his performances of this masterpiece. But I still think HOT AUGUST NIGHT is the pinnacle of all of Neil's performances
This song ,the way it was played by the band,the way the BBC orchestra backed it up ,Neil singing it by himself without his backup singers is the reason it has a dream like feel. I find myself playing it over and over again.
This song always had a great orchestral background even in the early days and now it is even better. As well as other songs. What a difference a small variation in sound can make.
OK...After watching this at least 15 times.......This is it.......TOTALLY, FRIGGIN AWESOME!!!!! One of the absulute best versions of Holly, Holy.........If you are here ...This is as good as it gets..Speaking as a musician,..Some nights are good ...But this night was great magic, A special moment in time if you will........Musically speaking...Fantastic!!!
i find it amazing that in the beginning he never wanted to be a performer, he just wanted to write songs, apparently it took a lot of hard work for him to become confident on stage, but you'd never think it, he seems such a natural born entertainer. a true showman, singer and songwriter, he's got the lot !
No one sings it like Neil... love this mans' songs. Avid fan since I was five-years old. 40 years ago, it started with using Jonathan Livingston Seagull music as a gymnastics routine background and ending... well, it hasn't ended yet! Neil surpasses time!! :)
OMG.....this is wonderful...I thought the gorgeous boy with his soul in his eyes who first performed this beautiful song was long gone but no! Here he is in this mature, powerful performance
I agree with Mark . I was going to mention the A&E performance. This song is best performed with a full orchestra. The strings really bring it home. What a great song!
How awesome is it to see Neil getting into his classic, after probably performing it thousands of times, with such true and raw passion and power! My God!! I hope the people who were there realized what an incredible thing they got to be part of!! WOW!!!!! 🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥🌟🌟🌟
Quanto mais velho melhor mas suas artes de cantar. Você é um cantor fenomenal vejo seus vídeos e ouço sua músicas a muitos anos. Levi Matos Sorocaba Est SP Brasil
On this day in 1969 {November 30th} Neil Diamond performed "Holly Holy" on the CBS-TV program 'The Ed Sullivan Show'... Four weeks earlier on November 1st it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; eventually it peaked at #6 and spent 14 weeks on the Top 100... It reached #3 in Australia... In 1970 it was covered by Jr. Walker & the All-Stars; their version peaked at #33 on the R&B chart and #75 on the Top 100... R.I.P. Mr. Walker {1931 - 1995} and Mr. Sullivan {1901 - 1974}
Wow. That DEFINITELY has to be the best arrangement I've ever heard - awesome and powerful. But I think I still prefer the "smoother" vocals from a vintage French TV 1971:Neil Diamond - Holly Holy (Rare, live)
