Re "Stages"
"Hello friends.
This
is Neil Diamond, and I'd like to say a few words to
you on the eve of Columbia Records release of this STAGES box-set, which is
a retrospective of live performances going back over thirty years.
It's
hard to believe that it's been that long since I took my very first
tentative steps in front of a live audience, but thanks to you all...and I
mean that quite seriously, thanks to you, and your support, and your
encouragement I've been able to make my past all the stumbling blocks that
present themselves to any performing artist and to continue working with
the same enthusiasm I've had since the very beginning.
So
in a very big sense I'd have to say this compilation is not only for you, but
because of
you. And, in keeping with that thought, I tried very hard to include
performances that have not been heard before and in many cases,
performances of songs that are not commonly part of my repertoir, and may
have only been done a few times in some long ago tour.
So
this collection of recordings, plus the backstage DVD in which we just let
cameras roam, as
well as the highlights from our last show in Dublin, Ireland, is meant
purely for you. So in putting together this box-set, I tried to get as many
previously unheard performances and songs as possible and to have as many
cities represented in this compilation as I could.
Of
course I know that many cities we played have been left out and I apologise if
we missed your
town. It certainly wasn't for lack of trying. We've all come a long way
since we started. The world has changed and our lives have changed, too.
What started for me as a small rock ensemble has grown into a huge
enterprise and you've been with me through it all, and what an amazing
journey we've had.
I
just can't thank you all enough and I hope you enjoy
STAGES. It represents not only my life, but yours as well. And, so until we
see each other again take care of yourselves and remember I will always be
yours very truly."