Three Chord Opera Tour resumes in Pensacola, Florida, and continues through the eastern United States, ending on March16, 2002, with a performance in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

“The Essential Neil Diamond” album is certified gold.

Neil appears as a special guest at spring graduation ceremonies at New York University, where he performs “Forever NYU,” a song written especially for the occasion.

Three Chord Opera tour resumes in Dublin, Ireland, with a one-month leg with stops in Scotland and England, ending with a three night stand at Earl’s Court in London.

Three Chord Opera tour resumes in New Orleans, Louisiana, and continues through the eastern United States and through Canada.

Neil appears as a surprise guest at Chabad’s 22nd Annual “L’Chaim – To Life” Telethon, performing “America.”

Neil appears on the “Caroline Rhea Show,” performing “Sweet Caroline” and “I’m A Believer.” A Neil trivia contest awards fan participants from the studio audience prizes including baskets of tour merchandise and round trip tickets for two to the New Year’s Eve concert in Denver, Colorado.

HEEB Magazine publishes feature article for its premiere edition, “Ruminations On the Real Neil Diamond is Forever.”

Neil records “America” duet with rocker Melissa Etheridge, as a promotion for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Final leg of the TCO Tour begins in Lubbock, Texas and ends with a New Year’s Eve show in Denver, Colorado.

“20th Century Masters – The Best of Neil Diamond” album is certified gold.

Neil appears at a benefit for weSPARK Cancer Support Center at the El Portal Theater in North Hollywood, California, hosted by actors Katey Segal and John Ritter.

Pop band Smashmouth debuts “You Are My Number One,” written by Neil, on the CBS “Early Show.” Release date of August 5, 2003 is announced.

Neil appears on CNN’s Larry King Live show on the eve of the release of “Stages” box set, discussing the new release and speaking with fans on a live telephone call-in.

Sony Music Entertainment releases “Stages 1970-2002,” a five-CD, one-DVD box set, which debuts at #152 on Billboard’s Top 200 LP chart and #4 on internet sales.

Neil appears on MSNBC’s streamed internet live chat, answering fans’ questions posed by host Will Femia.

Neil is interviewed by Dave Wingert on syndicated radio show, “Dave ‘Til Dawn” discussing his career including the current “Stages” box release.

Neil tapes video interview with PBS (Public Broadcast System), to be telecast alongside “Special Moments in Concert from Ireland,” during PBS’ fall membership drives.

Neil is interviewed by syndicated radio talk show host, “Delilah.”

Neil is interviewed by CNN, to discuss his career and to promote the “Stages” box set.

Neil appears on a one-hour live telecast on QVC cable network, with host Dave King, to facilitate the sale of more than 17,000 sets of the “Stages” box set.

Neil appears on Fox Network’s “Good Day Live” TV show to promote the “Stages” box set.

Neil appears as a guest/co-host for the syndicated radio talk show “Delilah,” discussing holiday traditions and songs of the season.

Neil attends the “Mercedes-Benz Presents The 16th Carousel of Hope” for children’s diabetes.

Neil’s first granddaughter, Avery Max, is born to Neil’s daughter Elyn.

“The Essential Neil Diamond” album is certified platinum.

Neil launches a world tour in Wellington, New Zealand, amid reports that this is the biggest tour ever. The first leg of the tour takes Neil and NDRRT through New Zealand and Australia, performing 15 shows in eight cities.

Neil appears on NBC’s “The Today Show” in New York, kicking off the show’s Summer Concert Series. He and the band perform “America,” “Sweet Caroline,” and “Kentucky Woman.”

Neil appears on “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” where he performs “Cherry Cherry,” promoting the upcoming UK leg of the Diamond Live 2005 World Tour.

Neil begins a UK leg of the world tour in Sheffield, England. Included in this leg is a performance at the home of his personal friend, the Duke of Bedford, Woburn Abbey, where he performed in 1977. The UK leg of the tour takes Neil through England, Ireland and Scotland, performing 16 shows in 11 cities.

Neil appears on the television show, “Extra,” where he discusses an upcoming new album being produced by Rick Rubin.

Neil begins the U.S. leg of the world tour in Omaha, Nebraska. This leg takes Neil through 34 cities and 47 performances, including four performances in Los Angeles, California, and three performances in Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.