The Unexpected Hand on a London Stage: Why Neil Diamond Sang This Song With Lulu Only Once
On October 30, 2010, at London’s Electric Proms, something quietly extraordinary happened. Neil Diamond stepped onto the stage alongside Lulu, and together they performed “The Boat That I Row.” No grand announcement. No dramatic build-up. Just two seasoned voices sharing a song that carried more history than spectacle.
The performance took place during the BBC Electric Proms, a series known for unexpected collaborations. Yet what made this moment linger wasn’t novelty — it was intimacy.
A song rooted in independence
Written and recorded by Neil Diamond in 1966, “The Boat That I Row” reflects a young songwriter asserting independence in an industry that often demanded compromise. Decades later, with Diamond firmly established as a global icon, the song still resonated as a statement of self-determination.
Lulu’s presence added a new emotional dimension. Her clear, expressive tone contrasted gently with Diamond’s warm baritone, creating a dialogue rather than a duet designed to impress. Neither performer dominated; they trusted the song.
Why this performance stood out
Neil Diamond has rarely performed this song as a duet on major stages, making the choice of Lulu especially intriguing. For many viewers, the question lingered: Why this song, and why now?
Part of the answer lies in context. Both artists emerged in the 1960s, shaped by an era where songwriting was personal and vulnerability mattered. Their shared musical heritage made the collaboration feel organic — less like a planned crossover and more like a mutual nod of respect.
Not a reunion, but a quiet exchange
There was no sense of revival or reinvention. Instead, the performance felt like a conversation between two artists reflecting on where they had been. Diamond sang as if recounting a memory; Lulu responded with empathy rather than embellishment.
In a festival known for energy and experimentation, this understated moment became a pause — a reminder that sometimes the most powerful performances are the ones that don’t try to prove anything.
The lasting impression
After that night, both artists continued their separate paths. There were no repeat performances of this duet. Its singularity became part of its magic.
For fans, the Electric Proms rendition of “The Boat That I Row” remains a quiet gem — a brief intersection of two long journeys, captured in a few minutes of shared music.