Bob Gaudio, the keyboardist and vocalist for the iconic Four Seasons, has had an illustrious career that has spanned decades. Alongside his work with the Four Seasons, Gaudio has also produced albums for the legendary Neil Diamond and co-written some of the group's most beloved hits. In this exclusive interview, Gaudio reflects on his experiences working with Diamond, the creative process behind their collaborations, and the lasting impact of their music on audiences worldwide.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Stage: Gaudio's Approach to Bringing Diamond's Music to Life

Replicating the Original Sound

When Gaudio was tasked with bringing the music of the Four Seasons to life on stage for the Broadway musical "Jersey Boys," he was determined to capture the essence of the original recordings. This same approach was applied to his work on "A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical." Gaudio explains, "I made demos in my studio in Nashville of what I thought could and should be in the theater. My wife is a pretty amazing singer, so I had what I needed in order to play with the arrangements." However, Gaudio was also cognizant of the need to leave room for the creative team to put their own stamp on the production, noting that "probably 70%" of the arrangements in the show were as he had intended.

Embracing the Differences Between Diamond and the Four Seasons

Gaudio's experience with the Four Seasons and Neil Diamond's music revealed stark contrasts in their respective performance styles. While the Four Seasons were known for their precise, choreographed stage presence, Diamond's concerts were characterized by a more loose and improvisational approach. Gaudio reflects, "With Frankie (Valli), he stays as close as he can to the originals. We did that since we started, partly because the Four Seasons were on Dick Clark ("American Bandstand") every other week lip-synching. We were in a different world from Neil. 'Jersey Boys' was very dramatic, but the truth is that when the Four Seasons were on stage, our feet were nailed to the floor." In contrast, Gaudio describes Diamond's concerts as having "incredible drama" and a "knack when it came to pacing a show."

Navigating the Challenges of Bringing Diamond's Music to the Stage

Translating the energy and spontaneity of Diamond's live performances to the stage was no easy feat. Gaudio recalls the challenges faced during the Boston run of "A Beautiful Noise," where some audience members were "three sheets to the wind" and disrupted the show's intended atmosphere. Gaudio acknowledges that "you don't necessarily want to pay $300 for tickets to a Broadway show and have people in front of you standing up the whole time like it's a concert." However, he emphasizes that the show's purpose is to capture the essence of Diamond's artistry and the personal struggles he has faced, stating, "The point is, the man had troubles. Entertainers go through hell. They ruin their families. They ruin themselves. There are huge rewards, but it is a sacrifice."

Celebrating the Enduring Legacy of Diamond's Music

Despite the challenges, Gaudio's admiration for Diamond's musical prowess is evident. He describes Diamond's ability to "sing almost anything his way" and how his "records inherently worked with his voice, gravel and coffee, as we say in the show." Gaudio's personal favorite Diamond song is "America," which he relates to on a personal level, having "had parents who were immigrants." Gaudio's reverence for Diamond's artistry and the impact of his music is a testament to the enduring legacy of their collaborative efforts.