Neil Diamond Going To The Prom

Neil Diamond will be throwing on a tux and a coordinating boutonniere next month because he’s accepted an invitation to perform at this year’s BBC Radio 2 Electric Proms.

The festival takes place Oct. 28-30 at the Roundhouse in London. The Electric Proms feature shows especially created for the BBC to be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Two.

This year’s event also features performances from Robert Plant and Elton John.

Photo: AP Photo
Performing at the Ramat Gan stadium near Ramat Gan, Israel.

Elton and Leon Russell will kick off the festival Oct. 28. The two artists will show off tunes from their collaborative studio album, The Union. The release, which was produced by T Bone Burnett, hits stores Oct. 19. The Rocket Man will also be joined by rapper Plan B and singer-songwriter Rumer.

“I’m delighted to be kicking off this year’s Radio 2 Electric Proms, particularly as I’ll be joined on stage by Leon who is one of my musical heroes,” Elton said in a statement, according to the BBC News.

“The performance will feature some very special guests and memorable moments.”

Photo: AP Photo / Press-Register
Mobile Saenger Theatre, Mobile, Ala.

Plant takes the stage Oct. 29 with plans to show off Led Zeppelin classics, favorite solo songs and tunes from his latest release, Band of Joy. The musician will be joined by Band Of Joy singer Patty Griffin and The London Oriana Choir.

Diamond closes out the festival Oct. 30 with songs that he loves and classic tunes from a career spanning five decades.

Fans can listen to all three performances live on Radio 2.

Photo: Greg Allen/Gregallenphotos.com
NBC’s "Today" show, Rockefeller Plaza, New York.

The Elton / Russell concert will then be broadcast on BBC Two on Oct. 30 along with an exclusive documentary about Elton’s music and life.

Catch highlights from Plant’s performance on BBC Two on Nov. 6 along with the Led Zeppelin frontman’s very own exclusive documentary.

“A Night With Neil Diamond” will be broadcast on BBC Two on Nov. 13 with footage from the Radio 2 Electric proms and an exclusive documentary featuring an interview with the singer.

Tickets for the festival will be available later this month. BBC Radio recommends subscribing to Radio 2 Event email updates or listening to BBC Radio 2 to get information about when tickets will go on sale.
  
Click here for the BBC Radio 2 Electric Proms’ website.