When fans go to a Vancouver Canucks game, the entertainment expands far beyond the show on the ice.
Contests, giveaways, and games — they’re all part of the fun of attending an NHL game at Rogers Arena. But no off-ice attraction seems to draw a bigger reaction from fans than “Nearly Neil,” the beloved Neil Diamond tribute singer that regularly appears at Canucks games.
The energy builds as Bobby Bruce, the man behind the act, grabs the microphone and starts singing the hits, like “Sweet Caroline,” in an extravagant outfit.
Fans love Nearly Neil, and he loves them back. There’s one memory in particular that still raises the hairs on his arm.
“I had actually lost my wallet, and I was walking to guest services,” Bruce said to Daily Hive in an exclusive interview. “As I was walking through the crowd, they are all streaming out of the stadium, they all started wishing me happy birthday.”
“Then hundreds of people start singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Nearly Neil as I’m walking, trying to find my wallet. It was just super memorable, very touching.”
As if the five goals weren’t enough, Canucks fans now treated to Nearly Neil. The night is almost complete. pic.twitter.com/KeKEp85pii
— Iain MacIntyre (@imacSportsnet) January 3, 2024
While he’s a local legend now, it’s been a journey to get to this point. What started as an off-the-cuff Neil Diamond impersonation has turned into a travelling act that’s spanned across multiple continents, including several stops at Canucks games.
“It was a party trick for a long time, and then I ended up getting a job with a legends show. I went to Australia, and then I toured all over the world after that.”
He’s performed in Belgium, the United States, the Netherlands, Italy, and more. The British Columbia native first appeared at a Canucks game back in 2019 after connecting with Canucks game presentation guru Mike Pohorly.
The team was planning a ’70s-themed night, and Nearly Neil was picked as the perfect entertainment choice after Pohorly had seen him live in a Saskatchewan casino.
“He brings a vibrant, infectious energy to every performance,” said Pohorly. “As much as we all take hockey seriously — and at times, it can feel like life or death in the building — he’s a great reminder that we’re allowed to let loose and have fun, too.”
An appearance by Nearly Neil now not only generates buzz inside Rogers Arena. It also gets Canucks fans talking online.
“I had some really interesting [social media] comments that I had to get explained to me by young people so I could figure out that they’re actually compliments,” said Bruce. “It’s been great.”
“I don’t get recognized that much [away from the rink] because I don’t really look like I do in costume when I’m out of costume… It’s nice to have both worlds, the anonymity and the experience of what it’s like to get up there.”
Huge much needed win for the boys last night … but the real winner in Vancouver and in life was Nearly Neil. What a specimen! 💪🔥🔥 @WillyD1025 @Skillsy75 pic.twitter.com/uR2yj3y8ba
— Chris Mason (@cmace30) November 18, 2024
A typical Canucks game day starts early for Bruce. He lives on Gambier Island, two ferries away from Vancouver, so he must leave his place in the morning to make it for puck drop.
Nearly Neil appears on the big screen during intermissions and stops in play. That format is far different than performing in a traditional concert setting and thus requires a different approach.
“I am not usually involved in stuff that’s not centred around me. I show up somewhere, and people are coming to see Nearly Neil, whereas I go to the Canucks game, and I’m just part of a huge machine of entertainment and sport.”
“That’s a really interesting and unique experience for me as an artist, just to be part of this when I’m usually the product or main event.”
Canucks games aren’t only unique for Bruce in terms of their format; he also gets to work with a special co-star. He’ll often collaborate with the team’s mascot, Fin, and Bruce is always impressed by the orca’s stage presence.
“I’ve always really enjoyed working with Fin. I don’t even know who Fin is but I do know that he’s been one of the easiest guys to work with in my entire entertainment career.”
“He’s so aware of what’s going on and he can’t even see very well in that thing. I can’t understand how he’s so good at it. The last time we performed together he came out in a blue sequin shirt like mine… that was such a big surprise, we had a great time.”
With a tour to Australia planned for early 2025, Canucks fans will not see a ton of Bruce in the spring. However, he’s eyeing a late-season date to bring the show back to Rogers Arena.
“I’ll be back in the first week of April but I’m hoping to do as many games between then and now. After, I know there’s a fan appreciation day on April 16 and I’d really love to play that game because I’m there for the fans.”