> At a Glance
> – Neil Diamond surprised Hugh Jackman with a personally signed guitar
> – Jackman plays a Diamond tribute singer in the new film Song Sung Blue
> – The actor calls the gift “one of the most awesome gifts I’ve ever received”
> – Why it matters: The gesture spotlights the enduring influence of Diamond’s music and the emotional connection between the legend and the actor honoring his legacy
Hugh Jackman received a heartfelt surprise from Neil Diamond ahead of his starring role in Song Sung Blue, a film celebrating the life of a Diamond tribute-act duo.
The Gift That Rocked Jackman’s World
Jackman, 57, unboxed the guitar on camera and posted the moment to Instagram. In the clip he cradles the instrument, stunned, and asks, “Oh my. That’s from Neil Diamond? Thank you, Neil.”
The instrument bears the inscription:
> “Hugh, Keep rockin’! Your friend, Neil Diamond.”
In his caption the actor wrote he will “cherish [it] forever.”
About Song Sung Blue
The movie casts Jackman as Mike Sardina, half of the real-life duo Lightning and Thunder, whose mid-1990s Neil Diamond covers won a cult following. Though Diamond isn’t the story’s focus, his catalog drives every performance.
Director Craig Brewer told Entertainment Weekly that Diamond attended a screening and reacted with:
- Tapping his foot through each number
- Applauding after songs
- Tears of enjoyment
- A request to watch it again immediately
Brewer said the response left him “so happy,” adding, “I just hope he knows how incredibly relevant his contribution to songwriting is.”
Off-Screen Friendship
During a December premiere Jackman revealed he and Diamond have become friends. After the legend granted full use of his song catalog, Jackman invited himself over for tea.
> “He just loved everything about Mike and Claire’s story,” Jackman told the audience. “So I took the opportunity on that phone call to invite myself over for a cup of tea… ‘So you wanna stay the night?’ ‘Great. That’d be great.'”
The visit included karaoke at Diamond’s Colorado home.
Key Takeaways
- Neil Diamond personally signed and sent a guitar to Hugh Jackman
- The actor headlines Song Sung Blue as a devoted tribute singer
- Diamond reportedly loved the film, applauding and crying during a private screening
- The two stars have bonded off-screen, sharing tea and karaoke
With Diamond’s music front and center, Jackman’s new film-and the surprise gift-underscore the lasting power of the singer-songwriter’s catalog.
