A Neil Diamond fan community
Why Have Imitators?
I probably misspelled the word in the title. Sorry!!
I was just wondering why people get excited about imitators? There is nothing like the real thing, and I enjoy seeing the videos and hearing the music of the genuine article.
I've always felt kind of sorry for people who make their living doing other people's acts. The many Elvis copycats that probably could do well creating their own acts and routines.
Please feel free to debate me, but please don't call me names!
PS I realize I posted the Jimmy Kimmel video in which he tries to imitate Neil, but I find it humorous because of Neil's obvious frustration of the whole idea.
I was just wondering why people get excited about imitators? There is nothing like the real thing, and I enjoy seeing the videos and hearing the music of the genuine article.
I've always felt kind of sorry for people who make their living doing other people's acts. The many Elvis copycats that probably could do well creating their own acts and routines.
Please feel free to debate me, but please don't call me names!
PS I realize I posted the Jimmy Kimmel video in which he tries to imitate Neil, but I find it humorous because of Neil's obvious frustration of the whole idea.
Views: 22
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by America The Diamond Experience on -
Hello Don welcome to sweet caroline, now lts debate time,imitation is the best form of flattery,so long as its done in a very honest and good way,some people might never get to see their chosen idol either coat or distance.So the next best thing is seeing a tribute,sometimes it isnt even an artiste its the music or lyric,an experience in life or even a paticular time in which they might have rejoiced or been saddened.
So long as the person who is giving there chosen performer the justice they deserve,then there is no harm done,have you never ever pretended to be a person in front of the mirror or copied your Dad shaving when you were a boy or followed another persons instructions when learning a new job.Life is one massive imitation,your wife goes to a neighbours house and sees there new carpet and curtains,the next you've got them, imitation. Every sociologist and pschycologist doing there degree has to plagurise and quote from life changing peers,so in doing they are in itself imitating.
For me to imitate Mr diamond it has took me 15 years to get it how i want,so many hours learning phrasing ,learning lyrics,not to say the thousands a person spends on tracks so the music is perfect or as near to the real thing,the ,so that when i perform the songs i am doing the best that i possibly can,also the many hundreds in hand made costumes,a wig hand made by a theatrical wig maker ,shirts hand made in the style of that chosen artiste, not to mention the lights and sound equipment of a decent quality,or the programming of the show which for all that has cost me in excess of 100,000 pounds,and to further that the two men i employ to help me set my show up in order for me to perform,who depend on that money to live and provide for their families,so yes please feel free to feel sorry for us imitators its so easy to get up there in front of people and for however long the performance lasts you are taking that audience on a memourable journey of musical emotion.
many thanks Leon "America The Diamond Experience"
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Permalink Reply by shirley Mae Eaker on -
well I could never get into an impersonator.I like real thing no matter what.No one can be another person.I saw lots of Elvis impersonators and it just wasnt at all close to Elvis .Like Neil no one could ever mock his voice no way so I will just stick to the real thing.
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Permalink Reply by Pip on -
Hi Shirley, I used to feel this way and then met and got to know some of the tibute artists as friends and fellow fans of Neil. I don't find that imitators are trying to be Neil, more often trying to do justice to the man and his music.
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The way I see it is that they are bringing Neil's music to a wider audience. Neil does not tour as regularly as some artists and not everyone can afford the ticket prices. I enjoy hearing Neil's music live whilst waiting in hope that I get to see Neil live on stage again before long.
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Permalink Reply by Jim Zaiss on
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In Austin we have The Diamond Smugglers, who put on a great tribute show and play at very hip venues (e.g. the Continental Club and Emo's). Controversially, they change the lyrics of some songs to make them semi-smutty or double-entendre'd. Personally, I'd prefer they play the songs straight; but no one who's seen them in action could deny that the DS get a lot of people excited with their renditions of these awesome (albeit slightly altered) songs.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Munro on -
I just spotted this. Someone tie me down! (but leave a finger free to type.)
"I've always felt kind of sorry for people who make their living doing other people's acts." And a blooming lucrative living it is too, thank you very much. Oh Don......Don , Don, Don. please don't feel sorry for me. Save your pity for something worth feeling sorry for. God knows there's plenty of more deserving poor souls out there. (e.g. Barry Manilow tributes. LOL)
Personally, I see myself as a kind of disciple, spreading the word of Neil to the people. Introducing his music to a younger generation and educating the masses regarding his musical biog. O.K. "disciple" may be a bit strong. A missionary then. If I had a dollar for every person that expressed surprise about cover versions of Neil's songs. and the fact that they were HIS songs, I would have about 7 dollars (LOL).
Anyway I feel better now. Live and let live and rejoice that we tributes are out there keeping Neil's music in the public's ear.
Ahhh that's better.
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Permalink Reply by Lynn Collins on -
A missionary then.
"Someone once said I don't have fans, I have believers."
Neil Diamond, CBS MSG/Hot August Night Special
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Permalink Reply by Mike Munro on
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"I'm A Believer"
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Permalink Reply by Debbie on -
Imitation is the severest form of flattery. Personally I prefer the real thing when it comes to Neil.
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Permalink Reply by 4evermore12 on -
That sounds a bit harsh. "Jersey Boys" is wildly popular and Frankie Valli never puts in an appearance. Even I think they are wonderful and I doubt anyone feels sorry for the poor 'copycat's doing the singing.
As far as the way too plentiful Elvis acts; they, in my mind, are in a category all their own.
If I were going to sail the high seas on a vacation I would prefer my music to be live and to be something I enjoyed and knew. Some how I don't think they are going to be booking Neil in the flesh.
Duh! Of course we all 'get excited' about the real deal but lets face it Neil is never going to show up at my local VFW.
No need to feel sorry for those who entertain us. If it is not your thing feel free to put your money in the jukebox when you go out.
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Permalink Reply by Skybird14 on -
I have no problems myself with imiatators/tribute acts when it's a well done tribute that does the original performer justice.
I know it's not like seeing the real thing but sometimes seeing the real thing is simply not possible. Tribute acts just give people who want to see a certain singer's music in a live environment, that opportunity to do so.
I remember seeing an ABBA tribute act when I was about 11/12 and their performance was good and although they weren't the real ABBA, that to me was good enough because I knew I was never going to be able to see them live.
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