Neil Diamond’s Historic Croke Park Concert: From Doubt to Triumph

Neil Diamond’s concert at Croke Park in June 1984 marked a pivotal moment in the venue’s history, despite initial skepticism from the singer’s entourage. A member of Diamond’s team referred to the iconic Dublin stadium as a “toilet” before the concert, reflecting the challenges faced in securing the performance. Promoter Jim Aiken worked tirelessly to convince Diamond to take the stage, transforming Croke Park into an unforgettable venue for fans.

Peter Aiken, Jim’s son, shared insights into the behind-the-scenes negotiations during an episode of the Fields of Dreams podcast. He recounted how his father met with Diamond’s manager, Jerry Weintraub, in London. Aiken presented an enticing offer, but Weintraub dismissed it, saying, “Sure, Neil could leave the house, go to the bottom of the street and get that money… you’re going to have to come up with more.”

The year 1984 was economically challenging for Ireland, with high unemployment rates impacting public sentiment. Yet Aiken leveraged a shared passion for horses to connect with Weintraub, who was known for organizing major tours for artists like Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan. As preparations for the concert progressed, Aiken faced the daunting task of gathering a makeshift team to meet the technical demands of Diamond’s crew.

Peter Aiken recalled the moment when the crew from Diamond’s team first visited Croke Park. They were unimpressed, with one member, Patrick Stamson, declaring it “the biggest toilet I was ever in.” Despite these initial remarks, he expressed optimism about making the concert work, suggesting creative solutions to enhance the venue’s appearance.

As the concert approached, securing approval from local GAA chairmen became crucial. Not all were in favor of hosting British acts, as some preferred promoting only Irish talent. In fact, a contract clause was proposed that required traditional Irish dancing to open the show, which Diamond rejected outright.

On the night of the concert, Neil Diamond took the stage at Croke Park, wielding a hurl and sliothar, much to the delight of the audience. This performance not only marked Diamond as the first artist to headline at the storied venue but also ushered in a new era of major concerts at Croke Park.

The Fields of Dreams podcast also explores the evolution of other significant music events in Ireland, such as the Slane Castle concerts. Alex Conyngham, son of the late Lord Henry Mountcharles, shared how his father fought to save the estate from bankruptcy by hosting rock concerts, including a memorable performance by the Rolling Stones in 1982.

In a lighthearted reflection on the past, Conyngham described how young staff members were tasked with welcoming guests, creating a disarming atmosphere for attendees accustomed to more formal receptions. He recalled a wild night during the Stones’ concert when a toy tractor was taken for a joyride by Mick Jagger, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the rock and roll scene at that time.

The podcast also revisits the challenges faced by Slane Castle during the 1984 Bob Dylan concert, which was marred by riots the night before, injuring several attendees. Despite the chaos, the support act, UB40, remained oblivious to the preceding events, believing the raucous crowd to be typical of Irish audiences.

As Croke Park continues to host major musical acts, the legacy of Neil Diamond’s historic concert endures, showcasing the venue’s transformation into a premier location for live music. The Fields of Dreams podcast reveals not only the challenges faced by promoters like Jim Aiken but also the joy and excitement that major events bring to communities across Ireland.

Listeners can delve deeper into these fascinating stories by tuning into the Fields of Dreams podcast, available on platforms like Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music.