Penshorn has been touring a Neil Diamond tribute around Newcastle for 20 years but in August will, for the first time, hit the road with his eight piece band to perform a show in Nelson Bay.

“I started this show about 20 years ago but this year has been our strongest year demand-wise,” the Newcastle musician said.

“We usually do about one or two shows a year but this year we’re doing five or six. I think the show is popular because we do Neil Diamond justice. 

“I’m baritone. Vocally, that’s where I sit comfortably. I think the voice, the real eight piece band – we don’t take shortcuts – the backing singers and the catalogue of songs, does him justice. I think Neil Diamond fans appreciate that.”

Penshorn said he has had a fascination with Diamond ever since he discovered the similarities in their voices. He joked that he found Diamond after discovering he “couldn’t sing like Paul McCartney”.

The tribute show sees Penshorn joined on stage with his band, which includes a brass section, and backing vocalists, performing the hits that made Diamond famous. 

“He’s a great writer,” Penshorn said. “You could almost count on one hand other artists or bands that have such a range of material that they can do a full two hour show with just their hits.”

Diamond – A Tribute to the Music of Neil Diamond will be staged at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers on Friday, August 24 which is the 46^th anniversary, to the day, of the recording of Hot August Night.

Tickets to see the show, available from the club or westsnewcastle.com.au, cost $30 for members and $35 for non-members. The show begins at 8pm.

The Examiner has one double pass for the show to give away. To win, send your name and contact details in an email titled “Diamond” to portstephens@fairfaxmedia.com.au.

The winner will be notified by 5pm on August 15.