Neil Diamond has just topped the British and American charts with an album of original material for the first time in his career.
As Home Before Dark goes from strength to strength, he is due to start his biggest-ever British tour next month.
But there will nobody special to welcome him off stage.
For at 67, Diamond has revealed that after two broken marriages, he has no family to turn to, no love in his life, and only one friend - who he has not heard from in years.
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Neil Diamond, who has just topped the British and American charts, has no close friendships due to his obsession with work
Indeed, his life is more like the lyrics of his hit song Solitary Man.
The star from New York claims it is due to his obsession with work.
By his own admission, he shuts himself away and can only look on with envy when he sees others enjoying a normal family life. But, he claims, he would not have it any other way.
"Personal relationships? I have none," he said.
"I have no friends and it's just impossible to have relationships.
"My closest friend is a fellow I went to high school with. I haven't seen him in four years. I have people I love, but not friends in the usual way.
"Does it sadden me? It's my life - it's just what it is.
"I see photographs of people who are friends and I would like to be able to call somebody up and just chat or go out for a beer. As it is, I don't have that.
"I'm very envious of people.
"My brother, who I adore, is surrounded by friends.
"His life is all about social situations. I see it and I want it - but I never have it. It's the price I have to pay and I have absolutely no complaints.
"I make this journey, for the most part, alone.'"
With no friends, I really am a Solitary Man says Neil Diamond | Mail Online
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