Betty Clarke
Tuesday July 1, 2008
guardian.co.uk

Where and when: Pyramid stage, 5pm
Dress code: Though the sparkly shirts of yore are long since banished, there's a sprinkling of sequins on Diamond's black shirt

In a nutshell: He's filling the "old-timers" slot that's become a warm and snuggly part of festival proceedings, but Neil Diamond makes his Glastonbury debut during his own career resurgence. His latest album, Home Before Dark, made under Rick Rubin's watchful eye, is the first to become a Billboard No 1 and Diamond's in ebullient, weather-predicting mood. "It's meant to rain, but it's not going to," he says, seemingly confident his mere presence, along with the power of his ageless voice, is enough to dictate conditions. During a career that's spanned over 40 years, Diamond has become a much-loved, if not particularly cool, icon and his richly layered set is warmly received. Pop gems like Forever in Blue Jeans and I'm a Believer get everyone singing and dancing like a drunk uncle at a wedding, while Home Before Dark reminds the uninitiated what a peerless songwriter he is.

Whose watching: Thirtysomethings weaned on seminal 1973 live album Hot August Night, sixtysomething Monkees fans

High point: Sweet Caroline sends waves of unadulterated joy through Glastonbury

Low point: When the sound cuts out. But they don't come much more professional than Diamond, who ceases singing, but keeps the band playing until order is restored

Mark out of 10: 9

What does it all mean, maan?: Diamond is forever