WNY says farewell to Lance Diamond

NewsJanuary 10, 2015WGRZ

BUFFALO, NY - Lance Diamond was Buffalo's entertainer. Hundreds attended his funeral at Kleinhans Music Hall on Saturday.

Pastor Darius Pridgen performed the eulogy. He said "diamonds are forever," referring to the legacy Lance Diamond leaves in his hometown.

Diamond's family thanked all of Western New York for their prayers and support. They never revealed Diamond's true age. On his obituary, it says 19XX-2015. It's what Lance would have wanted, according to close friends.

The Goo Goo Dolls, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and former mayor Anthony Masiello were among the mourners.

"I've known him for 50 years, he always gave a great show, great smile. personality, but he loved Buffalo and he loved his audience," Masiello said.

"He was a big part of us kind of maturing a little bit as performers," said Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls.

He was the main attraction at Milkie's, the former Elmwood Lounge, where he performed with his 24 Karat Diamond Band.

Diamond was known to those at Bennett High School a few decades ago as William Shingles, the friendly security guard who would use the staff as his mock audience.

His family says without a doubt, Lance Diamond loved Western New York.

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