Q. How long have you been doing this?
A. Since 1998.
Q. Have you ever met Neil?
A. No, but I I've met his Aunt Sylvia and cousin Judy.
Q. What's your favorite "Neil" song?
A. I don't know if I have one.
Q. Where are you playing next?
A. ?
Q. Where are you playing in Vegas?
A. I've only played in Las Vegas once. It was at the Champion Boats Bass fishing tournament at the Showboat Hotel and Casino. I was part of a tribute show. I haven't performed there since.
Q. How did you learn to sing like Neil?
A. Just lot's of practice.
Q. Do you get hoarse after a show?
A. No, I can sing up to 4 hours a night, 6 nights in a row without stressing my voice.
Q. Do you study Neil Diamond videos?
A. I have three I look at quite a bit.
Q. Have you ever seen him in concert?
A. Yes. I saw him in 1986 at the Forum in Los Angeles. He had on a red shirt.
And also at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, in 2005.
Q. How long has your band been together?
A. I've had Hot August Night as a band for about 8 years. I've had dozens of players throughout the years. The guys I have with me now (2005) are the latest incarnation.
Q. Is that your own hair?
A. Yes.
Q. When did people start noticing you looked like Neil?
A. The earliest recollection is a co-worker who compared me to Neil about 1984.
Q. What does Neil say about your show?
A. He's never seen it. I did get a letter from him once.
Q. Do you have to have some sort of license or agreement to do this?
A. I hope not. Besides, people go out and buy his records, not mine, after they see my shows.
Q. Do you do private parties?…And how much do you charge?
A. Yes. I can give you a quote over the telephone.
Q. Have you always been into Neil Diamond?
A. No. I was in a bar band for about 18 years.