Bobby Bruce's World Class Tribute to Neil Diamond
RADIO-CANADA
"Why are Tributes So Popular?"
By Alexandre Lamic
Aired January 22, 2026
Tribute artists, those musicians who revive the works of musical icons, are often misunderstood and sometimes criticized.
Nevertheless, many are passionate individuals who maintain a unique relationship with their audience.
Bobby Bruce grew up listening to the music of Neil Diamond. For over 30 years, he has been performing his idol's greatest hits in a show called Nearly Neil , and now gives around a hundred performances a year in Canada and around the world.
This success and longevity are largely based on the loyalty of his admirers.
But why are tribute artists so popular?
Nearly Neil Videos
Nearly Neil's Musical Hat-Trick at the Canucks vs Canadiens Game
Rogers Arena, Vancouver
March 21, 2024
"Forever in Blue Jeans"
Commotion ON the Ocean 2020
On board the Madrone, off the coast of Gambier Island,
Howe Sound, BC, Canada
Sandra's view of "Sweet Caroline"
On Stage with the Solitary Band
Recorded live at Harmony Arts Festival
West Vancouver, BC, August 8, 2019
"STONES"
Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band
All live footage from Theater de Stoep,
Spijkenisse, Netherlands, 2012
"Sweet Caroline" with FIN
Nearly Neil at the Canucks Game
Recorded live at Rogers Arena
Vancouver, BC, January 2, 2020
Promo Video
Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band
All live footage from Vancouver, Canada 2002
Sydney, Australia 2008 & 2014.
Vocals with Grand Piano and String Quartet
Classically Diamond
Recorded live at Blue Frog Studios
White Rock, BC, September 1, 2016
"Sweet Caroline"
Bobby Bruce as Nearly Neil
Studio 10 Live to Air TV Appearance
Sydney, Australia, 2015
"Prologue & Crunchy Granola Suite"
Nearly Neil & the Aussie Band
& String Section
Evan Theatre, Sydney, Australia
"I Am I Said"
Nearly Neil & the Solitary Band
Live @ de Stoep
Spijkenisse, the Netherlands
"If You Know What I Mean"
Nearly Neil and the Aussie Band
Bobby Bruce - Live in Australia
"Beautiful Noise"
Nearly Neil with the Aussie Band
and String Section
Live in Australia
"Sweet Caroline"
Nearly Neil and the Ontario Band
Live Concert, August 5, 2015
Peterborough MusicFest (8,500 audience)
Pharmasave Convention 2014
Bobby Bruce as Nearly Neil
with the Solitary Band
TV Limburg (The Netherlands)
Bobby Bruce as Nearly Neil
with the Solitary Band
In Dutch. Start segment at 11:40
"Lady Oh"
Live Rehearsal with strings in living room, Sydney, Australia, December 2013