Q&A with Sydney's Zac Coombs

Australian Zac Coombs is the lead star in The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil Diamond. Photo / Supplied

Ahead of The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil Diamond at Toitoi – Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre this Friday, lead star Zac Coombs, from Sydney, told reporter Shannon Johnstone a bit about his career and the role he "was destined to play".

How did you get involved in music?

Music has always been a part of my family life growing up. A wide variety of popular music was played in the Coombs household from 1940s swing jazz, 1950s rock 'n' roll, 1980s heavy metal and 1990s pop music. But performing music started in my teenage years by learning to sing and play guitar with my extended family who also played music. We would sit in circles and sing songs from a wide variety of genres. Music is what brings me the most joy, being able to share that with hundreds of people a night is an absolute dream.

How did you get involved in The Sweet Caroline Tour?

I was offered the role of Neil Diamond in December last year. It was perfect timing after such a tough year in the music industry with Covid. Neil Diamond has always been an artist I admired since I was young, I have great memories of listening to his music in the car with my dad. His music was always the most requested when I was working and travelling on cruise ships around the world and I always felt it was a role I was destined to play.

What do you enjoy about playing Neil Diamond's music?

To put it simply, the songs. They are all very well crafted both lyrically and musically. The instrument arrangements of the songs (strings, brass, etc) are wonderful to listen to. From a songwriter's perspective, Neil Diamond is one of the most influential songwriters in the past century of popular music.

What can Neil Diamond fans expect from the show?

All the very best songs from Neil Diamond's songwriting catalogue. We also delve into the stories behind them. It's a storyteller's show which sits with the way the real Neil Diamond performed at some of his most iconic live concerts. Accompanied by a seven-piece full live band and full-scale production produced especially for the theatre, it's truly a great night out.

The Details:
What: The Sweet Caroline Tour – A Tribute to Neil Diamond
When: June 11, 8pm
Where: Toitoi – Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre
Tickets: Adult $75.50 and child $40.55 from Ticketek