Ontario’s Citizens Business Bank Arena opened in the fall of 2008 and in January it landed the concert of a big-name star–Neil Diamond.
When the show sold out and Diamond was unable to do an interview, I wanted to think of a way to create a whimsical cover story that would still grab readers. I had an idea for Neil Diamond paper dolls. We hired a freelance artist and I provided the text for what became one of our most popular covers. Readers even sent me photos of their Neil Diamond dolls.
Click on the image below or this link to see it in its full glory.
Neil Diamond paper dolls were a hit with our readers.
In the spirit of the concert, I also penned new lyrics for Diamond’s hit “America.” This accompanying story ran inside the issue with the paper dolls in January 2009.
Whenever I think about Neil Diamond, I think about sparkly shirts and screaming out the lyrics to “America” when I was in elementary school. So when Citizens Business Bank Arena announced that the Jewish Elvis was coming our way, I adapted the song for us Inland folk.
Far
We’ve been traveling far
To see a show
To LA to see stars
Close
Only want to be close
We want to drive
Somewhere close to home
On his tour through the states
Neil’s coming to Ontario
Hopefully he’ll be back again
Neil’s coming to Ontario
Neil
You don’t seem so far away
Oh with traveling lights today
Please wear a sequined shirt
Please wear a sequined shirt
Neil
You have been a chameleon
Shining brighter than a neon
Oh those hot August nights
Oh those hot August nights
On a tour around the world
Neil’s coming to Ontario
He’ll see all the boys and girls
Neil’s coming to Ontario
He will play “Sweet Caroline”
Neil’s coming to Ontario
Perhaps even “Red, Red Wine”
Neil’s coming to Ontario
Neil’s coming to Ontario
Neil’s coming to Ontario
Neil’s coming to Ontario
Neil’s coming to Ontario
Sunday, Sunday,
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday
Play man of solitary(Sunday)
And Crack-a-lin’ Rosie (Sunday)
Of Neil I sing (Sunday)
Of Neil I sing
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday