NEIL Diamond's 50th anniversary tour will visit Leeds First Direct Arena on October 5 as one of six British arena autumn shows.

The Brooklyn singer-songwriter, who turns 76 today, will precede the European leg of his extended tour with the March 31 release of Neil Diamond: The 50th Anniversary Collection, a celebratory package that encompasses 50 songs spanning the 50 years of Diamond’s career. Under his supervision, the anniversary set promoted by UME and the Capitol Music Group will accompany his handpicked songs with a 50-page booklet with new liner notes.

The Grammy Award-winning Diamond has sold more than 130 million albums worldwide and is a member of America's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Among his best-known songs are Sweet Caroline, I Am...I Said, Song Sung Blue, I'm A Believer, Cracklin' Rose, Love On The Rocks and Forever In Blue Jeans.

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday at firstdirectarena.com or on 0844 248 1585.