This is the emotional moment brave music icon Neil Diamond came out of retirement to sing a sensational set of his hits at a unique Las Vegas fundraiser.
Determined Diamond – who stepped away from music after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease – performed seven of his greatest hits in one of his trademark gold glittery jackets on Saturday night.
It was the first time he sang at length on stage since he walked away from his profession, during his 50th anniversary tour, more than two years ago in Los Angeles.
Fans cheered as Diamond walked out on to the stage and the crowd gave him a standing ovation.
Neil Diamond performs at the 24th annual Keep Memory Alive ‘Power of Love Gala’ benefit for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday
It was the first time he sang at length on stage since he walked away from his profession, during his 50th anniversary tour, more than two years ago in Los Angeles
The beloved star bounced around the stage and danced as he gave a pitch perfect performance of his big hits
He had the crowd singing along to Cracklin’ Rose, Love On The Rocks, Forever In Blue Jeans, September Morning and I Am I Said
He started his set with the words, ‘Hello again’ – from his hit of the same name.
The beloved star bounced around the stage and danced as he gave a pitch perfect performance of his big hits.
He had the crowd singing along to Cracklin’ Rose, Love On The Rocks, Forever In Blue Jeans, September Morning and I Am I Said.
Showing that his energy and talent had not left him, he only stopped to get some water.
He then ended his performance with his anthem Sweet Caroline.
After taking a bow and waving at the audience he said: ‘God bless us; each and everyone one of us.’
He then waved again before he walked off stage for what many believe may be his farewell performance.
The battling star showed no physical signs of his Parkinson’s condition, but did not speak at length.
Las Vegas native Kimmel introduced Diamond and informed him that the city of Las Vegas had crowned the March 7 date as ‘Neil Diamond Day’
Chris Isaak paid tribute to Diamond with his rendition of Solitary Man
Billy Ray Cyrus opened up the performances delivering Diamond’s 1966 hit I’m A Believer
Babyface and Katlyn Nichol perform at the gala in Las Vegas on Saturday
Diamond was preceded by a raft of music stars, honoring his career and brave fight with the condition, at the 24th annual Keep Memory Alive Power of Love gala at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas.
It was a rare public outing for the beloved singer songwriter, who quit the business during his 50th anniversary tour, and has shied away from the limelight ever since.
Diamond had initially told organizers that he would not perform at the event, but instead watch stars like Toni Braxton, Chris Isaak and Billy Ray Cyrus cover some of his hits.
The pop superstar announced his decision to stop touring after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, one of the brain disorders treated at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
The 79-year-old Grammy and Golden Globe winner last performed a full gig at the Forum in Los Angeles in August 2017.
Diamond looked sprightly earlier in the evening, walking on the red carpet with event organizers Larry and Camille Ruvo.
He was honored and treated to stunning tributes of covers played by Braxton, Isaak, Cyrus, Sammy Hagar and Andy Grammar.
From left: Jimmy Kimmel, Neil Diamond and Larry Ruvo, the philanthropist who founded the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health
Frasier star Kelsey Grammer was on hand for the gala event in Las Vegas on Saturday
Stars like Jimmy Kimmel, Kelsey Grammer and Derek Hough were in the star-studded audience, with ticket sales and auction bids raising millions for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
Cyrus opened up the performances by delivering Diamond’s 1966 hit I’m A Believer, while Isaak sang Solitary Man.
Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmunds sang You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, and Sammy Hagar smashed a rocky version of Thank The Lord For The Night Time.
Las Vegas native Kimmel introduced Diamond and informed him that the city of Las Vegas had designated the March 7 date as ‘Neil Diamond Day.’
Diamond jokingly responded: ‘Who gives a sh**’, as audience members including Cheers star Grammer and Hough burst out laughing.
Keep Memory Alive Vice Chairwoman and co-founder Camille Ruvo said: ‘We’re honored to have the legendary Neil Diamond join us to celebrate his remarkable and wildly successful career and to bring awareness to the devastating diseases the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health researches and treats, including Parkinson’s.’
Audience member Samantha Jackson said: ‘This is a truly emotional and powerful performance. The world never thought Neil would perform again, but his 25 minute medley was special and breathtakingly emotional.
‘There are very few artists in the world who could raise a crowd like that especially with the emotions of everyone knowing what he is battling.
Actress Hayley Erbert (left) and actor/dancer Derek Hough attend the gala in Las Vegas on Saturday
‘It was a magical night and truly special.’
Keep Memory Alive is the charitable arm of the Ruvo Center, and the Power of Love event has raised tens of millions of dollars over the years to fund the facility’s operations and its myriad initiatives to combat brain diseases.
Diamond, who has sold more than 125million records, joins a staggering list of Power Of Love honorees including Lionel Richie, Muhammad Ali, Tony Bennett and Andre Agassi.
Keep Memory Alive’s mission is to provide enhanced treatment and ultimately cures for patients and their families suffering from neurocognitive disorders, raising awareness and funds in support of Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
The center provides state-of-the-art care for cognitive disorders and for the family members of those who suffer from them.