Neil’s a Diamond geezer

Singing legend Neil Diamond appears at Birmingham’s NIA on June 10.

Born in New York in 1941, Diamond began writing songs as a teenager and went on to write hits such as I’m a Believer for the Monkees during the 1960s, before becoming a huge international star in his own right.

We look back at Diamond’s life - in his own words.

Diamond on growing up: “My parents were very extrovert. They loved dancing. I was the black sheep of the family, a quiet kid.”

Diamond on his stage outfits: “I do everything but step in a phone booth to change. You put the costume on and it’s part of becoming the other person. I have to have the uniform, or I can’t fly.”

Diamond on his melancholic demeanour: “That’s what I am. I’m one of those guys who can’t get rid of that melancholia.”

Diamond on love: “My life revolves around it. I’ve written other kinds of songs, but love songs are most natural to me. Love between a man and a woman plays such an important part in my life. I’m addicted to love.’

Diamond on the reported £75m divorce settlement he made with his second wife: “She earned every penny. None of my career would have been the same without her.”

Diamond on his 1970s hiatus: “I had my first successful record in 1966, and from then I worked continually, writing feverishly, recording and performing on the road. It took a toll on me, my family and my marriage. I’d already been divorced and didn’t want to go through that again. I took a few months off and it became four years. But I returned stronger and more at ease with myself.”

Diamond on money: “You can only spend so much money. What are you going to do? Have two lunches? It doesn’t hurt to have money there in the bank, but it doesn’t change a person or, at least, not me. I’m not particularly extravagant. Every once in a while, if I’m travelling, I’ll rent an aeroplane. I like that a lot. But I find that I don’t need much. No amount of money is going to take this melancholia off my shoulders - or it would have done years ago.”

Diamond on the future: “My life has gone beyond what I dreamed possible. I’ve been able to experience a profession that’s one of the most beautiful gifts I know, earning a living by making sounds people like. I hope they’ll like them for a while longer.”