COVID-19 Neil Diamond concert brought cheer to Brentwood Village

Chris Dillon

Music can’t fix everything, but it certainly can make people feel better, and a resident at Kincumber’s Brentwood Village has put that theory to the test.

As the world adapts to life at a social distance, musicians have stepped up to bring a bit of joy to their communities.
Videos have emerged the world over of musicians and singers entertaining their friends and neighbours via balcony concerts, and on April 5, Brentwood Village’s Chris Dillon held his own.
The 87-year-old took to his balcony to perform a Neil Diamond medley with a twist.

The crooner tweaked the lyrics of several songs to reflect the current situation with COVID-19.

‘Solitary Man’ was ‘Sanitary Man’, and there was some strong commentary about washing your hands in ‘Sweet Caroline’.
Dillon also dedicated two numbers to the beleaguered people of Italy and Spain, two of the countries hit hardest by the virus, performing ‘Volare’ and ‘Solamente una Vez’ respectively.
Dillon hopes the low-key event brought a bit of joy to his fellow villagers during this tough time.
“I’m sure everyone’s fed up with being stuck at home, so I wanted to do something for the neighbourhood,” Dillon said.
With the majority of village residents in the high risk category for the virus, movement to and from the village has been heavily restricted, and Dillon believes that his concert was a welcome distraction from the tedium.
“The concert went well, and it was a beautiful sunny day with villagers coming out with chairs and champagne to enjoy the show from a safe distance.
“They joined in the singing and a few even had a dance in the street,” Dillon said.
While Dillon’s hoping the concert will go viral and would love to see his tributes to Italy and Spain make it overseas, he said he was just glad he was able to bring some smiles to the neighbourhood.

Source:
Interview and email, Apr 2-6
Chris Dillon, Kincumber
Reporter: Dilon Luke