Editorial: Diamond will sparkle as Mission headliner

Singer-songwriter Neil Diamond will attract a full muster at the Mission Concert, writes Mark Story. Photo / Supplied

The zesty four-chord intro to Cherry Cherry constitutes an indelible chapter of my university years.

Neil Diamond's energised but uncomplicated (able to be strummed/sung by students slightly under the weather) lyrics are just one of his hallmarks.

Of all the artists emulated by those who enjoyed picking up a guitar in their varsity days, I'm guessing Diamond was the most covered. (I'm eternally grateful there were no cellphones back then able to record said covers).

But I'm a sucker for ballads, and consequently this enduring Brooklyn balladeer.

No one does the genre better: Introspection, slow sentiment and a short-versed narrative punctuated with heartfelt refrains. As is sometimes said, he's the soundtrack of many people's lives.

Congratulations should go to the Mission Estate team and promoters. The securing of this act for next year's concert is quite the coup. They've secured an intergenerational performer with an appeal that's sure to pack the paddock come March 17.

The Greenmeadows venue now boasts two marquee billings in as many consecutive years.

That's a nice hustle, given the event weathered some lean years between 2014 and this year's Dixie Chicks act. The once-fading lustre is again shining.

My one regret is that Barbra Streisand won't be at Diamond's side to perform the pair's ageless duet You Don't Bring Me Flowers.

Still, we're in for some veritable foot tappers from a consummate showman. Here's to a superb St Patrick's Day that'll boast a beautiful noise and much red, red wine among the vines.