DIAMOND SERVICE FROM PETER

IT’S arguably one of the best live albums ever recorded - over 47 years ago Neil Diamond stepped on the stage at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles to record Hot August Night.

And now singer and guitarist Peter Byrne will be recreating the album live on the stage of Dublin’s Helix with a 30-piece orchestra.

Byrne has performed his Hot August Night show all over the world, including in Australia where it received a standing ovation from the 4,000 plus audience at the Sydney Convention Centre — not bad for someone who failed his Leaving Cert, but then that was because of music too. Born in Drimnagh, at the age of 12, Byrne was given a guitar by his dad and brought to lessons. Initially he hated practising and the strings hurt his fingers so he gave the guitar away. But after starting secondary school he picked up a guitar for the second time and became obsessed with music.

Byrne forgot about his studies and immersed himself in music instead. He began his career singing in pubs and played support to The Fureys, embracing his love of folk music. But after moving to Australia, he was singing a Neil Diamond track in a club one night and was asked to join a cabaret show to sing Diamond’s songs.

Since then he hasn’t looked back and is a household name in Australia where he regularly appears on television.

And his tribute to the jazz singer has been approved by Neil Diamond himself.

Peter will be performing Neil Diamond’s Hot August Night at The Helix in Dublin on August 3 with a 30 piece orchestra. Expect classics like Cracklin Rosie and Sweet Caroline. For tickets visit