Neil Diamond tribute band readies for show

The Diamond Project, a Neil Diamond tribute band, will perform at the Lorain Palace Theater at 7:30 p.m., March 2.

“Neil Diamond is considered one of the best performers ever, so it has been a great experience to be part of a tribute band honoring his music,” said Tim Richissin, guitarist for The Diamond Tribute. “This is something we started about six years ago, and I could have never imagined what it has become today.”

Richissin said the band was created when two friends had an idea.

“My friend Gary Gomez, the band’s lead singer, and I would listen to albums together all the time,” he said. “One day, someone said Gary sounded like Neil Diamond, and the rest is history.

“Now we have an 11-piece band that tours all over, and we have fans from California to the UK.”

Richissin said the band’s performance utilizes Diamond’s entire catalog.

“We have 44 songs that we play for a three-hour show,” he said. “Neil Diamond’s songs are timeless and crowds always seem to get excited at a variety of different selections.”

Richissin said the band performs to a wide demographic.

“You will, obviously, see people from Neil’s hay day, who grew up on his songs,” he said. “We also, however, have a lot of younger people who get excited when we start playing ‘Sweet Caroline.’

“Neil’s songs are timeless in the fact that people of all ages will know the songs and want to sing along. When you have four decades of chart toppers at your disposal, you know it will be a great night.”

Richissin said the band’s current tour takes on even more weight with Diamond’s announcement that he’s suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

“Neil said he would no longer be touring,” Richissin said. “That was a tough announcement for us and everyone who have adored him over the years.

“It is a great honor to be able to carry on his legacy with our band. It has been a fun ride so far, and we cannot wait to see the great crowd that awaits us at the Palace.”