Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005 | 9:34 a.m.
Diamond's career has produced such memorable hits as "Cherry Cherry," "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," "Song Sung Blue," "Sweet Caroline," "Forever in Blue Jeans" and many more.
Diamond wasn't available for an interview, but a performer who has made a career out of paying tribute to Diamond was happy to speak to us.
Jay White has been doing his Diamond act almost as long as Diamond.
Diamond has been in the business 35 years, White almost 25, starting out in small clubs in Detroit.
In 1988 John Stuart, creator of "Legends in Concert" at the Imperial Palace, discovered White and hired him to perform at a "Legends" show in Reno. In '89 White joined the Las Vegas cast, where he worked for nine years.
For more than three years White has performed at the Riviera.
White met Diamond for the first time in 1996, backstage at MGM Grand after a performance.
Are you going to attend Neil Diamond's concert on Dec. 30?
I think I will, but I haven't talked to anybody about getting tickets yet.
Has he ever attended one of your performances?
No. He's never attended one of my shows. He really never has the time. He goes from Vegas to Phoenix or L.A. But he has seen video tapes of me performing, and he knows who I am. His mother came to my show once. I've met Neil.
When was the last time?
He performed here the last time in 2002. that's when I met him for the second time -- it was the last time I spoke with him.
His percussionist, King Errisson, lives in Vegas and he sometimes sits in with my band at the Riviera.
How frequently?
When he's available, or when he wants to -- whenever he feels like coming in. But right now he's on tour with Neil.
King played in the band with me quite a bit just before their tour started in July. It's nice to have him as part of the band. He's been with Neil 30 years. King and I play golf two or three times a week, when he's in town.
Does a Diamond concert affect attendance at your show?
Given the fact that it has only happened one time since I came to the Riviera, I don't recall if it made much of a difference.
There's a rumor that Diamond is considering a long-term engagement in Vegas, along the lines of Barry Manilow. Do you think that's possible?
I heard the rumor as well. I asked King about it, I asked him "What do you think?" He said "We haven't heard anything to that effect."
What do you think that would do to your show?
It's hard to say what the impact would be. It could increase my business in that maybe if people go see him they will be curious enough to come see me, to compare the two shows.
Is he still that big of a draw?
In the '90s he was the top solo arena box office draw for the decade. This is his second tour since the new millennium -- and he continues to sell out, 15,000- and 20,000-seat stadiums. All of his concerts sell out, all over the world.
While he plays huge arenas, you're at Le Bistro, which seats about 200. Is that frustrating for you?
I appreciate being here. It's a place to showcase what I do and show there's an audience for it. I enjoy that aspect -- but from a performer's standpoint, I want to put on the biggest, best production you can.
We have always been limited with space here -- and we're even more limited now because there's a nightclub in Le Bistro right after our show. Our stage is limited. We can't do much to expand the show.
What's in the future for you?
What I would like to do is find an opportunity in town to perform on a larger stage so that we could have more production value. We have been exploring options. I have taken the time to write a larger production.
Are you becoming bored with being a Neil Diamond tribute artist?
I'm not tired of it. I became a fan of the music first. Having the opportunity to perform the songs is a bonus, and having my own show in Las Vegas is icing on the cake.
Jerry Fink can be reached at 259-4058 or at [email protected].
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