'Raspy' Diamond offers gig refund

Neil Diamond has enjoyed chart success this year

Singer Neil Diamond has offered the audience of a recent concert a refund after performing with a raspy voice.

Diamond, 67, was diagnosed with acute laryngitis after the show in Ohio, Cleveland, on Monday.

The Sweet Caroline singer released a statement on his website apologising to fans, writing: "I haven't let you down before and I wont let you down now."

Fans have until 5 September to seek a refund. Diamond has also cancelled gigs in Wisconsin and Missouri this week.

Chart resurgence

Wednesday's performance in Wisconsin has been rescheduled for 12 September, while the Missouri gig will now take place on 10 September, Diamond's website also stated.

The singer played a series of dates across Europe earlier this year, including a set at the Glastonbury festival in June.

In May, Diamond, whose debut album was released in 1966, scored his first UK number one with Home Before Dark.

The musician, who has sold more than 125 million records around the world, became the artist who has taken the longest to top the chart with an album of original work.