Neil Diamond: Solitary Man

Although born and raised in Paisley, Scotland, Will Chalmers is the next best thing to the real Neil Diamond! Chalmers has been performing his tribute to Neil Diamond for the past seven years. “The only other celebrity I’ve done was Elvis and that was a long time ago. I changed in 2002 to Neil and he’s the only one I portray now,” he said.

Chalmers, who bears a natural resemblance to Diamond, personifies the singer as he was in the 1970s. “He had a little bit longer hair then. He’s going to be 69 this year and he’s grey now. His clothes are different as well. He doesn’t wear the sparkly shirts anymore.”

Chalmers has travelled extensively with his band, from the east to the west coasts of Canada and in the United States, as well as many venues in Ontario. He’s performed in theatres, casinos, convention centres, arenas, at corporate events and resorts, and at many outdoor festivals.

Chalmers moved from Lanarkshire, U.K. to Canada in 1987. He and his wife currently live in Collingwood, OB. Despite all the travelling, he still holds down a full-time job with a commercial/residential heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical company.

“My company gives me lots of flexibility to do my shows,” Chalmers said.

While Neil Diamond has not seen Chalmers perform, the tribute artist did get to see Diamond at the Air Canada Centre last year. “We sat very close to the front and I learned a lot from his performance, how he carries himself on stage, for instance. Neil is still going strong and his performance was phenomenal.”