Neil Diamond is now in his 50th year as a singer-songwriter Superstar, and John Hylton is in his 25th year as a professional Diamond Tribute artist!

Now on the very evening of Neil Diamond's 77th birthday John will be bringing his tribute show 'Real Diamond' to Ferneham Hall, Fareham on Wednesday January 24.

And we can all celebrate together as John and his eight piece band perform their ‘By Request’ tour.

Just deliver your sealed envelope to the Ferneham Hall Box Office with the special request any time before show day…saying why that song is special to you and remember to include your name and seat number.

The show features all the hits - Sweet Caroline, Cracklin' Rosie, I Am...I Said, Love on the Rocks, Forever in Blue Jeans - and many more.

John has performed over 4,000 shows during his 25 year career. Hailed for bringing the brilliance of Neil Diamond's songs to life on stage and recreating the Neil Diamond magic he is known as 'The Real (Neil) Diamond'.

Talking about his career choice John told the Echo: "I was a Neil Diamond fan myself when I was 15 yrs old when I bought an album called "Moods" . I had no idea then that I would be doing this. I did a "proper job" and sang in pubs & clubs until my children were grown and then I turned professional.

My family moved to Gran Canaria where my Neil Diamond tribute was polished in over 4,000 performances.

After 11 years in those hotels and bars I got a live band and began to perform in UK theatres and that was more than 12 years ago!"

As for why this is a 'Request' show he said: "I like to vary the show each tour.Neil has so many great songs and many people have a favourite. I obviously can't perform them all each night so, decided that this tour would be "by Request". I invite everyone who is coming to the show, to hand in their request at the box office telling me WHY that song is special to them so I may include it in the show!

"Ferneham Hall has been kind to me and I am grateful for the support for Real Diamond every time we return.

I have some great musicians in my band, including a fabulous award winning Russian pianist, Vladimir and one of my sons is also with us this tour. This show is 100% live. There is no pre-recorded or sequenced talent show trickery and no electronic voice enhancing autotune.... that's why I call it REAL Diamond.

" I know I'm not really Neil, but, I can't tell you how many times I have been told that I really do sound like him, and I usually reply "Well, that's my job, isn't it?"

For more information or to book call 01329 231942 or visit fernehamhall.co.uk