Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Diamond, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2018, recently made a rare appearance to perform his hit ‘Sweet Caroline’ at the curtain call of a Broadway musical based on his life. The performance came as a surprise to many, with Diamond having announced his retirement from touring just a few years prior.
But it turns out that Diamond’s classic 1969 hit-turned-sporting anthem has a much longer history with football than first thought. Manchester United legend, and football commentator, Roy Keane revealed that he once got into a row with a woman at a Neil Diamond concert for singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ next to him.
The moment was recalled recently by sports broadcaster Mark Pougatch, who worked alongside Keane at ITV for the UEFA 2020 Euros coverage, which took place in 2021. As England made it to the finals to face off, and ultimately lose against, Italy 3-2 on penalties, Diamond’s classic song once again swept the country.
“Yeah, about 10 years ago. I ended up arguing with the woman next to me – she kept singing the songs out loud, so I ended up in a bit of a trouble that night. But brilliant concert!” Keane said.
In April this year, Diamond opened up about living with his condition, telling CBS, “I don’t like it but this is me. This is what I have to accept. And I’m willing to do it. Okay, so this is the hand that God’s given me, and I have to make the best of it, and so I am.”
It is certainly a testament to Diamond’s character that, despite his condition, he continues to bring joy to millions of people around the world with his music. Long may it continue.
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