Neil Diamond offers refund to Columbus audience

Following a disappointing performance in Columbus, OH, crooner Neil Diamond issued an apology — and a refund — to concertgoers.

Diamond, who was recently diagnosed with acute laryngitis, sang with a raspy and hoarse voice throughout the course of the August 25 show at Ohio State University. He reportedly did not inform the audience of his diagnosis, leaving many fans frustrated by his performance.

“Please give me a few days to figure out a way to make it up to you,” Diamond wrote in a statement on his Web site earlier today. “I haven’t let you down before, and I won’t let you down now.”

In a statement, Diamond spokeswoman Eve Samuels said that the singer will give a complete refund to those who place a request before September 5.

Due to his condition, Diamond has also been forced to postpone two other shows this week. His Wednesday, August 27 concert in Green Bay, WI, has been rescheduled for September 12. The August 29 show in St. Louis, MO, has been delayed until September 10.

Tickets for both shows will be honored for the rescheduled dates.

The 67-year-old singer has been touring in support of his new album “Home Before Dark” since July 19. The North American trek is scheduled to end with an October 30 concert in Jacksonville, FL.