In a heartwarming surprise that perfectly captured his generous spirit, Neil Diamond made a group of Boston college students’ night one they’ll never forget — by sending them pizza and a handwritten note of encouragement after learning they were performing his legendary concert album, “Hot August Night.”
The story began when a student jazz ensemble at Berklee College of Music announced a one-night-only tribute show, recreating Diamond’s iconic 1972 live performance from the Greek Theatre — complete with strings, horns, and that unmistakable swagger. Word of the tribute somehow reached Diamond himself, now 84 and living quietly in New York. Rather than simply sending a message, he decided to send dinner.
“About an hour before showtime, a delivery guy walked in with 15 boxes of pizza,” said the ensemble’s director, laughing. “At first we thought it was a mistake. Then we saw the note taped to one of the boxes — signed ‘Love always, Neil.’”
The note read:
‘Hot August Night has lived a long life — I’m glad it’s found new voices. Keep playing it loud, and don’t forget to eat between songs. You’re the best audience a songwriter could dream of.’ — Neil D.’
When the students realized who it was from, the room erupted in cheers. “We were stunned,” said lead vocalist Olivia Grant. “We’ve been rehearsing his music for weeks, trying to capture that fire — and then he goes and sends us pizza? That’s the most Neil Diamond thing ever.”
The tribute concert itself turned into a full celebration, with the audience shouting “So good! So good! So good!” between songs, just as fans did at the original show. Midway through the set, the band raised a slice to the crowd in Diamond’s honor. “It wasn’t just funny,” Grant said. “It was emotional. It felt like he was right there with us — cheering us on.”
Since retiring from touring in 2018 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Diamond has made only rare public appearances, but gestures like this remind fans why his connection to audiences endures. “He may not be on stage anymore,” one longtime fan tweeted, “but he still knows how to make people feel seen.”
As the final notes of “Cracklin’ Rosie” rang out, the students dedicated the encore — “Sweet Caroline” — to Diamond himself. The entire crowd sang along, slices of pizza in hand, filling the theater with laughter and warmth.
And though he wasn’t there in person, Neil’s spirit — humble, humorous, and full of heart — clearly was.
Or, as one student put it afterward:
“We played his music. He fed us. That’s Neil Diamond — always giving, always golden.”