A while back I was poking around the internet looking for tour dates for Neil Diamond. My mom is a huge fan of his and I virtually grew up listening to his music. The first real concert I went to was the “On the Round” tour, yes.. with my mom. It was the best concert I’ve been to yet. So in poking around, I found out from his official webpage that he actually has his own twitter account: http://twitter.com/NeilDiamond/
Well, on March 2, 2009 he sent out a tweet:
I tweet, therefore I am. If you have questions for me, I’ll try to answer some here on twitter. ~NeilDiamond
I honestly think he was surprised by the amount of questions that came pouring in. I’ve compiled the questions and answers he was able to get to. Why? Because my mom, who as stated is a huge fan, isn’t on twitter. Also many of the questions/answers are done out of order so it can be confusing if you don’t pay attention. Links are to the individual tweets where each question and answer can be found. I did not include fan responses to answers, so please feel free to check their timelines and see what else they might have said. And I know this isn’t all the questions he was asked, because he never did answer mine. Considering he has over two thousand followers, it’s not surprising!
- From lindawoods: what did you have for lunch today?
Answer: had some kind of chicken for lunch today - From EmmyInMN: How long does it take for you to wind down after such an amazing tour?
Answer: it takes me about a year to wind down from a tour - From bryancasey: what did you think of the SNL skit Will Ferrel did of you
Answer: he did several, I love them. - From chatsubo: Mr. Diamond – have you written your memoirs yet, I think it would be awesome to read. Thanks for the reply.
Answer: I’d much rather write a song than a memoir. - From anthonycloskey: Who might you say is your favorite American songwriter born west of the Mississippi?
Answer: is Hibbings, MN west of the Mississippi? - From GlenHale: What was your inspiration and thoughts that led to Lady Magdaline/Yes I Will. Any chance to hear those two songs in concert.
Answer: “Lady Magdaline” was inspired by my then wife, Marcia. “Yes I WIll” was inspired by Sammi Davis Jr’s autobiography, “Yes I Can.” - From anthonycloskey: Is Shilo about a girl, a dog, or an imaginary friend?
Answer: an imaginary friend - From denny47: Neil have you ever sang with Jennifer Neetles of Suigarland
Answer: no - From JayRM: Did you enjoy doing Saving Silverman/working w/ Jack Black? You were great in it, and it rekindled my interest in your music!
Answer: I loved working on that movie. Those people are all slightly crazy but fun. - From ShellyKramer: Wow. Somehow I don’t believe this is really you, ND
Answer: Hold on, let me check my driver’s license. Yup. It’s me. - From shellyslaven: Just wondered which song you enjoyed writing the most or has the most meaning to you? Thanks!
Answer: enjoyed writing: “Sweet Caroline”; most meaning: “I Am, I Said.” - From dennydiamond: do you have any ideas for a new cd?
Answer: Yes, good songs would be the best way to start and I’m working on that now. - From blankbaby: do you ever get tired of singing the same songs over and over again?
Answer: when I do, I take them out of the show and replace them with something I’m not tired of. - From BellaKarma: What’s your favorite ride at Disneyland? =)
Answer: Pirates of the Caribbean - From LSchidgen: Hi from Minnesota . . . are you missing us as much as we’re missing you?
Answer: not this time of year. - From denny47:I saw you on the Grammys how much did you enjoy that? was great!
Answer: I loved the performance but hated waiting around all day to do it. - From DJMyers: Ok. I have a question. What is you’re favorite memory from the filming of the “Last Waltz” movie?
Answer: Neil Young coming over to me and introducing himself as Neil Sedaka - From karendinino: Hanukka or Chanukah??
Answer: both are correct and I use both - From franklimpus: So when r you revisiting that Tennessee moon?
Answer: next time I play Nashville - From bpiana: American Idol: would you do it again?
Answer: in a heartbeat - From oc_submissive: Amazing Grace changed my relationship with my Mistress (capital M!) forever. Whatvus that song really about?
Answer: the power of women. - From Mrpolite01, TylerJ, originalrelease: What did you have for dinner? (paraphrased)
Answer: steak, mashed potatoes, asparagus, NY cheesecake, cappuccino - From 7thand8thTeach: what was the most memorable performance & why?
Answer: Glastonbury in England. I’ll never forget it. - From FOND1407: What is Knackelflerg? Seriously tho, what are some of your favorite memories of the past year?
Answer: I have no idea, I just write ‘em. Too many memories for 140 characters - From 6pence: Any plans for a new DVD release for concert live like Hot August Night?
Answer: Yes, hopefully soon. - From FADKOG: do you love me like I love you? You had me at ‘Desiree’
Answer: I don’t know you well enough to say I love you. - From JohnnyOCD: fellow martin D-41 owner,does the world know how truly beautiful these baby’s are,or what?
Answer: it’s an amazing guitar for sure. - From supersonicstl: Do you play much electric guitar these days? Also, who were your biggest guitar playing influences?
Answer: just got 2 new electric guitars from Gibson. Began writing my first song on electric guitar last night. I think I love it. - From w0t: Any imminent plans to work with Rick Rubin again?
Answer: we’ve already started on my next album - From GlenHale: Will you come to Hawaii and perform in concert. Kauai never has seen Neil Diamond perform. I’ll set it up if you can come.
Answer: I performed in Hawaii in 1971.
(Oddly he has this going to “Nishka” but no such twitter user exists. I think it was a typo.) - From mariameow: Hi Mr. Neil Diamond, What do you like to do in your free time?
Answer: I read or spend time with my family.
With that he closed saying good night.
