metropolisnews

Denny Diamond's tribute show sparkles

Arlington Heights Post

November 20, 2008

By Lilli Kuzma

Denny Diamond knows that Neil Diamond is alive and well, and still recording and performing. But Denny also knows that his own rendition of the Solitary Man's pop gems come dangerously close to a real Neil Diamond concert experience, except that his tickets are cheaper and more readily available.

"I do make sure I don't play at the same time in the same city," quipped Denny, a Chicago native who now lives in Harvard.

The acclaimed Neil Diamond stylist will perform Nov. 22 at the Metropolis in Arlington Heights for "Denny Diamond, A Spot-On Tribute to Neil Diamond." He performs with the six-piece band, Change of Habit, and his two sons, Lucas and Spencer, billed as The Family Jewels. The show has played to raves in Nashville, at venues like the Mercy Lounge, with audiences from 500 to 5,000.

"I do songs from all the eras -- 'Jazz Singer,' 'Beautiful Noise' album, and may throw in a 'Heartlight' song. Also, some newer material, from his '12 Songs' album, which I perform with my sons, breaking it down to acoustic like on the album."

Denny Diamond, born Denny Svehla, didn't set out to become a Neil Diamond showman.

"Back in high school, I broke my ankle really bad, a compound fracture, so I spent time with an 8-track tape of 'Hot August Nights' and a book of the music, and began learning it," he said.

A performer all his life, Denny was encouraged to do a Neil Diamond cover set for a nostalgia show. It was such a big hit, he began performing his Neil Diamond show regularly. In 2000, after appearing on Dick Clark's "Your Big Break" television show, his career path seemed cast.

"That's when I started doing this full-time," said Denny, whose rich baritone vocals are almost exactly like Neil Diamond's. (You can hear samples at www.dennydiamond.com.)

Although he insists he is not a Neil Diamond impersonator, Denny resembles the pop star, and even wears sparkly shirts.

"I've always worn my hair like this," Denny laughed. "But I am a stylist, a tribute artist. I've always admired Neil's singing and stage show. My interpretation is like his. I wear the sparkly shirts, but that's for the people."

Asked how he interested his talented sons, Lucas, 20, a guitarist, and Spencer, 19, a percussionist, in performing such vintage pop music with him, Denny said:

"Not too long ago, these songs were called oldies. As it turned into 'retro' it became cool," he said.

DENNY DIAMOND: A SPOT-ON TRIBUTE TO NEIL DIAMOND
Saturday, November 22, 8 p.m. at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights.
Tickets $25. (847) 577-2121

Buy Tickets Here