By Tania Phillips
HE is one of the great singer/songwriters of the 20th century and it’s hard to find an Australian house without at least one of his albums – he is Neil Diamond.
Unfortunately he’s also in his seventies and not touring that much – enter Warragul man Dominic Finley.
The former Brit is bringing his “Hot August Night and me; A Neil Diamond Story” show to the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Friday, 7 October.
The show features Neil Diamond’s legendary Hot August Night album in it’s entirety as well as interesting stories about how the songs were created, and of Diamond’s “dark journey” from struggling Brooklyn poet to one of the world’s most loved performers.
And this show is a labour of love for Finley who emigrated to Warragul six years ago.
“I’ve been performing as Neil since I emigrated to Warragul plus a couple of years in Britain before that,” he said.
“But I’ve played Neil Diamond covers since I was 16! I learned to play guitar from working out the chords to his songs.”
Dominic is a former member of ’80s chart toppers Cutting Crew (best known for their number one hit I Just Died In Your Arms) and has a background worlds apart from Diamond’s New York upbringing in the “Tin Pan Alley” days of Broadway.
Young Dominic grew up in a world of cobbled streets, terrace houses and a show business grounding won out of the gritty working men’s clubs in Lancashire, in the north of England.
And while such an upbringing might not immediately bring thoughts of Neil Diamond to mind, that he now plays Neil Diamond is not really a surprise to those who know him.
“I’ve been a fan since I was 14 – I was 14 and more of a Neil Diamond fan than Mum and Dad!” he laughed.
“I remember hearing his earlier 1960’s material such as Shilo and Girl You’ll Be A Woman Soon and realising that I’d found my musical inspiration.
“I know a lot about him too, I’m what’s known as a ‘Diamond head!’. A lot of my trivia knowledge has made its way into the script for the theatre show.”
It’s always great to meet someone who loves what he does – so what of all the amazing Neil Diamond songs is Dominic Finley enjoying playing most now?
“Difficult question is that, but probably Crunchy Granola Suite,” he enthused.
“It’s such an epic song, and I love the instrumental guitar breaks.”
‘Hot August Night and me; A Neil Diamond Story’ starring Dominic Finley and the Diamantes, will be performing at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Friday, 7 October at 8pm. Call the Box Office on 1300 787 624 for tickets and more information.
