THE hits of NEIL DIAMOND will be featured in the award-winning tribute show FOREVER DIAMOND at BELMONT 16FT SAILING CLUB on February 14.
Starring PETER BYRNE , the Irish-born entertainer's ability to recreate the music of Diamond is uncanny.
As well as possessing a likeness to the star, Byrne shares a similar vocal style to Diamond.
Byrne has been nominated for a number of MO AWARDS and AUSTRALIAN CLUB ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS , picking up the MO Award for Best Production Show in 2001.
Byrne was born in Dublin in 1962 and received his first guitar at the age of seven.
Although he initially showed no interest in music, he gave the instrument a second chance a few years later when ``something told me to pick up that guitar again''.
Byrne began learning songs by artists such as DON McLEAN and entered a number of talent contests before he formed a duo and played a weekly show at a small pub in Dublin.
It was during one of these shows that Byrne was first introduced to the music of Diamond after he received a request to perform Forever In Blue Jeans .
Although Byrne was unfamiliar with the tune he quickly learnt it and fell in love with Neil Diamond's music.
When Byrne played the song at the pub the following week punters commented on his vocal likeness to the star.
With this encouragement he learnt more of Diamond's songs.
Byrne moved to Australia in 1988 and continued his career as a part-time musician, eventually performing five times a week.
Then, with his focus solely on music, Byrne decided to take his passion for Diamond's music one step further by creating a tribute show.
In 1992 Byrne was approached to join a production show called IDOLZ IN CONCERT which paid tribute to the music of ELVIS PRESLEY and Diamond.
Excited by the prospect of working with a live band Byrne took up the chance.
He made his major stage debut in 1993 before a full house at WENTWORTHVILLE LEAGUES CLUB where he ``brought the house down''.
Forever Diamond continues to tour across the country and features Byrne on stage with backing vocalist REBECCA HENRY , keyboardist DALE GENNER , guitarist CLIVE LENDICH , bassist JEFF CAMMELLIRI and drummer MICHAEL PAPALLO .
Tickets to Forever Diamond are $12.50 and on sale from the Belmont 16ft Sailing Club on 4945 0888.
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