Raspy Neil Diamond disappoints concertgoers

Raspy Neil Diamond disappoints concertgoers

COLUMBUS— Disappointed Neil Diamond fans will get a refund after attending a concert at Ohio State University in which the 67-year-old singer’s voice sounded raspy.

Some fans left the Monday concert early and others said Diamond completed the concert without mentioning anything to the audience about his voice.

A statement from Diamond, the singer of such hits as “Sweet Caroline” and “Song Sung Blue,” on Tuesday says a doctor has diagnosed acute laryngitis.

Diamond spokeswoman Eve Samuels says the singer is offering a refund to those who place a request before Sept. 5. “I haven’t let you down before and I won’t let you down now,” the singer said in an apology on his Web site.

Today’s birthdays

Actor Ben Gazzara is 78. Actor Ken Jenkins (“Scrubs”) is 68. Actor David Soul is 65. Singer Wayne Osmond of The Osmonds is 57. Country singer Shania Twain is 43. Actor-singer Jack Black is 39. Actor Jason Priestley (“Beverly Hills, 90210”) is 39. Country singer LeAnn Rimes is 26.