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| June 23, 2016 | The Wharf | "Barry Manilow tour comes to The O2 for the last time" by Laura Enfield |
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| There’ll be sing-alongs, schmaltz, romance and plenty of tears as Barry Manilow returns to The O2 – for the last time (Thursday, June 23, from £19.75). The 72-year-old singer is hitting the road for one final hurrah before hanging up his sequinned touring jacket for good. After performing more than 400 concerts at the Las Vegas Hilton and Paris Las Vegas from 2005 through 2011, the Grammy, Tony and Emmy Award winner has had enough of travelling the world so will no longer be doing big concert series. With his band of 13 musicians and singers, the legendary singer said: “We had a great time putting the show together. We hope to take everyone on an emotional roller coaster. I can’t wait to see everyone dancing in the aisles.” His gig in north Greenwich will be the last stop on his One Last Time tour and his adoring “fanilows” are sure to turn out in their droves to raise their lighters and join in renditions of Mandy, Can’t Smile Without You, Could It Be Magic, and Copacabana. He said: “It’s my way of thanking everyone for their years of support…one last time!” |
| June 22, 2016 | Southern Daily Echo | "Review: Barry Manilow, 'One Last Time Tour', BIC" by Hilary Porter |
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| Bournemouth went Barry bonkers as Brooklyn's biggest superstar brought his One Last Time tour to the BIC. At the grand old age of 73, after a 50 year career, countless tours, two hugely successful Vegas residencies and record sales in excess of 80 million, Barry Manilow has declared this his final tour. And from the moment the huge red theatrical velvet drapes parted to reveal the youthful and energised entertainer - resplendent under the light of neon glow sticks given out to fans as they arrived, the excitement was almost tangible. Screaming, singing, stamping of feet and standing ovations for song after song, the reaction of the crowd was extraordinary. Dressed in a dark three piece suit and white shirt, he opened with It's a Miracle accompanied by a stunning band and backing singers and was soon into the crowd pleasers with Can't Smile Without You where the lyrics were projected on the large screen behind him and he led the audience in a rousing karaoke singalong. In both an upbeat and reflective mood, he told the audience: "I'm always surprised by how I got here. I come from Brooklyn from a very rough neighbourhood. John F. Kennedy once said, 'you don't know where you're going unless you know where you've been.'" It was his introduction to the song he wrote about it, Brooklyn Blues, which he performed at the piano with his excellent support act, saxophonist [Dave] Koz, providing stunning accompaniment. There was a number from his recent [My] Dream Duets album - Judy Garland on the screen with Barry singing along with her to 'Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart.' Probably one of the most moving points of the evening though was a video clip of the boyish " new star" Barry Manilow performing Mandy at the piano leading to him duetting with his younger self. It actually highlighted how much better he sounds now than then! Every song seemed to hit the mark from the "sexed up" uptempo version of his 70's ballad Could it be Magic to a rousing rendition of 'Memory' from Cats and his feel good cover of Frankie Valley's Let's Hang [On].' The 90 minute set reached it's natural conclusion with I Write the Songs followed by the final roof- raising Copacabana ending with multi-coloured streamers being shot across the crowd. "I've been looking forward to this - I've got such great memories here...you make me feel like Justin Bieber! " he told his fans with a twinkling smile. The allusion highlighted the age gap between them but judging by this performance I feel there will be a lot more shows to come! |
| June 21, 2016 | Daily Echo - Bournemouth | "Barry Manilow, The One Last Time Tour, BIC" by Nicky Findley |
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| They sang, they danced, they cheered and some even shed a tear. Legendary showman Barry Manilow promised that his last ever tour would be an emotional roller coaster and he didn’t disappoint. Thousands of fans flocked to Bournemouth to say farewell to the living legend who took to the stage at the BIC for The One Last Time Tour. Dressed in classic black tuck and tails at the start, Manilow’s performance, supported by his band of 13 singers and musicians, was everything you would expect it to be - flamboyant, cheesy, magical and memorable. At times it resembled a West End show with all the carefully choreographed dance routines and visual effects. But although his hip gyrating days may well be over, the multi award-winning singer who has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide, proved he could still belt out the hits that have made him one of the most successful artists in music history. "Can’t Smile Without You" and "Looks Like We Made It" were among the more familiar songs at the start which also featured some heartfelt ballads and even some rhythm and blues inspired by his home town of Brooklyn. One of the highlights of the show was Manilow singing "Mandy" as a duet with himself using the original footage of when he first shot to fame with the hit in 1975 playing on the big screen behind him. For the last few songs of the night Manilow was joined by members of the fabulous Bournemouth-based Funky Little Choir for a dazzling grand finale which included "Copacabana" (and a quick outfit change to a suitably jazzy jacket) followed by "I Write the Songs" which was a fitting finale for a man who says he likes to write the songs that make the whole world sing. He certainly had the whole audience at the BIC singing their hearts out anyway! |
| June 19, 2016 | Wales Online | "A Welsh choir will join Barry Manilow to sing his biggest hits during his final arena tour" by Karen Price |
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| He's one of the world's most famous crooners and as Barry Manilow heads to Wales during what is expected to be his final tour, it's going to be an emotional time for his fans. It's also going to be an extra special concert for members of one Welsh choir too, as they've been invited to join him on stage to help him perform some of his biggest hits. Cor Caerdydd has been asked to sing backing vocals on Copacabana, I Write The Sings and It's A Miracle. For the 60-strong mixed choir, which was formed 24 years ago, it's understandably one of the highlights of their summer programme. The Grammy, Emmy and Tony award-winning star has invited a local choir to sing with him during every concert of his tour, which is billed One Last Time! And Cor Caerdydd were thrilled to get the invitation for his Cardiff Motorpoint Arena date. “We got a call from Barry Manilow’s tour management asking us to join him on stage which was totally unexpected, but it’s a huge honour," said conductor Gwawr Owen. "It’s a new challenge for us and a unique opportunity. We’re all looking forward to it greatly and we’re very excited.” Manilow has already visited a number of other UK cities and towns as part of the tour, including Newcastle, Manchester and Glasgow and the legendary showman, his singers and band have been entertaining fans with new versions of some of his classics. There have also been a number of surprises with nods to dance tracks like Underworld's Born Slippy and Fatboy Slim's Right Here Right Now. While Manilow, now 73, isn't planning another tour, he'a adamant he's not quitting yet. He recently told Billboard: "I'll do shows and I'll promote albums if I make any more, but no more big tours. That's it. It's too much packing." Barry Manilow plays Cardiff Motorpoint Arena on Monday, June 20. Visit www.livenation.co.uk/cardiff.
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| June 19, 2016 | Daily Echo - Bournemouth | Barry Manilow brings his farewell tour to Bournemouth on Tuesday |
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| Barry Manilow fans are promised “an emotional rollercoaster,” when the legendary showman comes to Bournemouth this week. The Mandy and Could It Be Magic singer will perform at the BIC on Tuesday as part of his last ever concert tour. Extra dates, including one at the BIC, were added to the tour due to phenomenal public demand, soon after Manilow announced last year that he was going to “hit the road” and perform concerts across the world one last time. The entertainer launched his multi-city One Last Time Tour last autumn in North America and is now [touring in] the UK. Before the tour began, with his band of 13 musicians and singers, Manilow said: “We had a great time putting the show together. We hope to take everyone on an emotional roller coaster. I can’t wait to see everyone dancing in the aisles” ... He thanked everyone who had been to see him in the US, saying his audiences were “all incredible” and that it had been “a perfect way to end my American touring days.” It was clear that Manilow’s last American concert, which took place in Denver, was an emotional experience for him: “Singing the lyric “How can I thank you for the love you’ve given me”, looking out on friends who had been supporting me for over 40 years without breaking down and blubbering was a real feat of strength. Because it’s exactly how I feel. How I’ve always felt. I don’t think that anyone in entertainment has ever had fans and friends like you. I’m sure we’ll see each other again. We’re already thinking about what we should do to promote the New York album. But it’s the end of going from city to city and I’m probably saying goodbye to many people who have been with me for years. So once again, 'How can I thank you for the love you’ve given me?' There’s nobody like you. I couldn’t be more grateful. All my love, Barry.” He has performed more than 400 concerts at the Las Vegas Hilton and Paris Las Vegas from 2005 through 2011, but Manilow has now decided to limit his concert appearances. The One Last Time Tour is a major undertaking and as Manilow said, “is my way of thanking everyone for their years of support…one last time!” The Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning musician’s career sky-rocketed to super-stardom when his mega hit song, Mandy, topped the charts in 1975. Over the past 45 years he has built a massive collection of music. Of course, there are songs like Copacabana, Looks Like We Made It and Can’t Smile Without You, but Manilow has nearly 30 studio albums and has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide. Platinum-selling and nine-time Grammy nominated saxophonist Dave Koz has also been announced as special guest for the UK. Koz, who has previously performed with such superstars as Burt Bacharach, Kenny Loggins, U2, Luther Vandross and Rod Stewart, is no stranger to the UK, having previously opened for the likes of Liza Minelli at the Royal Albert Hall, and also supporting Barry on his last tour of the UK back in 2014. Tickets are priced £34.25 – £107.25, available from BH Live Tickets on 0844 576 3000. Book online at bhlivetickets.co.uk or visit the BIC box office in person.
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| June 17, 2016 | Liverpool Echo | "Review: Barry Manilow at ECHO Arena" by Jade Wright |
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| Of all the places Barry Manilow could have spent his 73rd birthday, he chose to be in Liverpool with thousands of his most devoted fans. He even changed the words to his first song - [It's A Miracle] - to include the city. The crowd loved every minute, cheering and singing along to every word of Can't Smile Without You, Looks Like We Made It and All The Time. They waved the glow sticks he'd given out at the door - slowly and respectfully from the big ballads like Weekend In New England, and frantically fast for an uptempo reworking of Could It Be Magic and fabulous Four [Seasons] cover Let's [Hang] On. For Bermuda Triangle he recruited two good sports from the audience to join him - Alison and Suzanne - for a fun-filled run through of the holiday romance and infidelity story. He'd ripped up the set list we'd seen him do in other cities, giving Liverpool a real greatest hits set, and even adding a Beatles cover in homage of being in the Fab Four's hometown. He lead the crowd in a heartfelt sing-along version of Yesterday, before bringing out some big guns of his own - I Made It Through The Rain, Mandy and I Write The Songs. With an energy and a voice that belies his years, Barry has the kind of infectious joy that can get a whole room on its feet and dancing. There was just time for an encore [of] Copacabana, squeezing [another] hit into the list. Happy birthday Barry, and many happy returns. |
| June 17, 2016 | Liverpool Echo | "Barry Manilow at Liverpool ECHO arena" by Kirsty McHale |
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| Tonight is the night that Barry Manilow heads to Liverpool for One Last Time. The Grammy, Tony and Emmy award winning singer is coming to the ECHO arena, on his birthday no less, to celebrate his final tour with his Liverpool fans. And it's set to be quite a show. With worldwide record sales exceeding 80 million, Barry Manilow is ranked as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time with over 50 Top 40 hits. Have you got a ticket for Barry Manilow at the ECHO arena? We've headed to setlist.fm and taken a look at previous shows on the One Last Time tour to see which of Barry's hits he could be performing tonight... It's a Miracle; Daybreak; Somewhere in the Night; Can't Smile Without You; Looks Like We Made It; Could It Be Magic; Brooklyn Blues; I Am Your Child; Even Now; Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart; Weekend in New England; Let's Hang On!; Sweet Heaven (I'm in Love Again); I Made It Through the Rain; Mandy; I Write the Songs; Copacabana (At the Copa) |
| June 16, 2016 | Centre Daily Times | "Bald Eagle loves Barry Manilow" by Britney Milazzo |
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| Bald Eagle Area High School student Michael Bailey was the first to test a piano donated to the school by Barry Manilow. It was shipped to the South Eagle Valley Road facility on the afternoon of June 8. When it was unwrapped, Bailey hit the keys. For BEA music educators and students, it’s more than just a piano; it’s a way to enhance music education. And after attending a Manilow concert, at least one student said it wasn’t hard to see why the singer-songwriter was so invested in music education. “I went with my family to his concert and absolutely loved it,” said Jessica Cain, 16, who will be a senior next school year. “His music is fun and the concert was amazing. To have someone as talented and gifted in music and entertainment as Barry Manilow give our small school a piano is such a blessing. I believe he really understands and appreciates the importance of music education.” Before his concert March 12 at the Bryce Jordan Center, the entertainer announced that, through The Manilow Music Project, he would donate a new Yamaha piano to the Bald Eagle Area School District. “I’m thrilled to be giving the gift of music to these kids,” Manilow said in a press release. District business manager Craig Livergood said Manilow’s management company approached the BJC and asked about a local school or organization that would benefit from his program. A representative from the BJC then contacted the district on March 1. “I don’t know how we were chosen but (we) were asked if we wanted to be a part of it and said yes,” Livergood said. The next day, the district got the final confirmation it would receive the gift. “This is the future of music education, and we have been blessed to receive such a gift,” high school music and band director Kellie Long said. “When someone like Barry Manilow shows how important music education is, people notice. I am so impressed with that, and (with) Barry Manilow’s success he still recognizes that music education is important, and he is using his success to give back to communities where he performs ... Bald Eagle loves Barry Manilow and will be forever grateful for his gift.” The piano will be used for all aspects of the high school’s music program. “As a choir student, we use a piano every day to learn the pitches and memorize them,” said Lacey Geyer, 16. “It is then used to accompany us and create a foundation to sing along with. In jazz band, the whole band will tune to the piano because it is the only instrument we cannot change. Being able to replace our piano means we can use a piano that will always be in tune — a huge benefit to our ensemble.” Choir Director Ryan Wade told the CDT in March the piano will allow him to make changes to lesson plans that could benefit students. The piano can be used to record songs that can later be used during activities like choir rehearsal at a time the teacher needs to step away from the piano, but students can still practice to accompanying music. But more so than receiving the gift, students and teachers said they’re more impressed with Manilow’s advocacy in investing in music education. “It’s just really great that someone of Mr. Manilow’s status is doing all kinds of things to help keep music alive in schools,” Wade said. “For some students, it’s all they have. For athletes, their bodies will eventually break down, but musicians can have a lifetime of music.” |
| June 16, 2016 | Birmingham Mail | "What to expect when Barry Manilow plays the Genting Arena in Birmingham" by David Bentley |
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Barry Manilow is on his way to the Genting Arena in Birmingham as part of his One Last Time! tour. So, as the tour title suggests, this may well be your final chance to see him in the flesh belting out his back catalogue of hits. But what can we expect when the legendary showman comes to town? We took a look at Manilow’s gigs as covered by our sister titles in Newcastle, Manchester and Glasgow to see what’s likely to happen when he takes to the stage this Saturday, June 18.- Intro music: You might expect a remixed, rearranged or orchestral version of one (or several) of Manilow’s classics, or at least something with a classic disco or cabaret feel. But it seems he comes on stage following a pulsating intro consisting of Underworld’s Born Slippy and Fatboy Slim’s Right Here Right Now ... The audience were even given green glowsticks to complete the 'rave' ambience before the show started.
- A fun party atmosphere: While there have been subdued atmospheres at some recent pop concerts by artists including Kylie and Little Mix, expect no such restraint from the Manilow massive. They might be a 'mature' crowd but they will be straight on their feet for standing ovations, singing along, swaying along and having a good dance. Put on your dancing shoes and drink plenty to keep your singing voice strong! Can’t Smile Without You even has onscreen lyrics for added encouragement. But it doesn’t sound like much will be needed. There will be some Manilow-inspired outfits on show too, so expect a forest of fruit-laden Carmen Miranda hats from the musical Copacabana which, like Manilow’s hit song, is based on the New York nightclub of that name.
- A Vegas vibe to the staging: Barry’s famous for his Vegas shows - he headlined at the Las Vegas Hilton from 2005 to 2009 and the city’s Paris Hotel [from 2010 to 2011]. So it’s no surprise that he is bringing a Vegas feel to his tour too. It’s his natural habitat, his comfort zone. Expect lavish curtains framing the stage, simple but effective spotlighting and a fantastic band of musicians behind him.
- All the hits you could want: Well, it wouldn’t be right if One Last Time! didn’t run through Barry’s big hits for everyone to enjoy and sing along to. Expect the enduring classics with their catchy choruses and massive melodies, with a focus more on the ballads such as Can’t Smile Without You, Mandy and I Made It Through The Rain.
- Audience members joining him on stage: As part of the performance of Bermuda Triangle, the crooner has been pulling two fans out the crowd to sing and act along with the track’s story, while decked out in suitable garb. Are you prepared for getting up on the stage?
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| June 16, 2016 | Manchester Evening News | "Barry Manilow turns heads as he goes out in Manchester following his arena concert" by Katie Fitzpatrick |
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| Legendary singer Barry Manilow may be bowing out with his final One Last Time tour - but he looked on fine form as he stepped out in Manchester following his show at the Manchester Arena. The Could It Be Magic and Mandy crooner turned heads as he headed into swanky celeb spot Artisan after the concert, looking very debonair in a smart black patterned jacket. Fans couldn’t quite believe their eyes when they spotted the 72-year-old superstar showman from Brooklyn, whose hits include I Made It Through the Rain, walking through the rain to Spinningfields. Thankfully he made [it] after he was shielded by an umbrella. An onlooker said: “People had to look twice because they couldn’t believe it was Barry Manilow walking past them.” The ballad-belting hitmaker is bowing out with a farewell showcase after racking up scores of tours to his name and and two hugely successful Las Vegas residencies. The curtain is falling on Barry’s 50-year career with a tour featuring all the classics, including Can’t Smile Without You. In Manchester the crowd were on their feet to give the true entertainer many standing ovations for the show which ended with a theatrical Copacabana finale. Barry, who is performing with a band of 13 musicians and singers, says he is taking fans on “an emotional roller coaster” with the tour. He says it’s his way of thanking everyone for their years of support. |
| June 16, 2016 | Manchester Evening News | "Review: Barry Manilow at Manchester Arena" by Annaliese Watkins |
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| Having amassed a back catalogue of chart-toppers and dance floor favourites since the mid-seventies, Barry Manilow could have happily slipped into a Palm Springs retirement many moons ago. But the ballad-belting legend has remained a failsafe on the live music scene, with scores of tours to his name and and two hugely successful Las Vegas residencies. But it seems the curtain may be finally falling on Manilow’s fifty year career as he embarks on his farewell One Last Time tour. Framed by velvet drapes, the old school crooner bounded onto the stage with the energy and pizzazz of a man half his age, lit up majestically by the glare of the crowd’s neon glowsticks. His vocals too, are as smooth and effortless as they were all those years ago, seamlessly gliding through the classics with all the ease of a finely-tuned cabaret. The man is a class act; a knowing smile plays on his lips and there’s a glint in his eyes as he begins with It’s A Miracle, blowing kisses to the mature, but nonetheless excitable, crowd. In his Brooklyn twang, the natural born showman greets the crowd with kisses and warmth and by the time the opener has finished, the crowd are on their feet for the first of many standing ovations. The first ballad of the evening, All The Time, leaves the audience speechless. I’ve never heard the arena as quiet as when Manilow purrs his way through the 1976 hit. You could have heard a pin (or glowstick) drop. Or at least I would have done if it wasn’t for my mum singing along at the top of her voice along with the rest of the Fanilows. (“He’s going through the LP I had when I was your age,” she tells me as Even Now kicks in. “The one your sister melted in the sun.”) There’s all the classics of course, including a duet with his 1975 self for Mandy, a fantastic audience-participation performance for Bermuda Triangle and the original composition of Could It Be Magic. The occasional and perhaps questionable hip thrust is thrown in, but Manilow remains a true entertainer, the kind you only find in old school Vegas cocktail lounges. As always, theatrics abound - especially so with the Copacabana finale - and as the curtains finally close on Manilow’s topcoat and tails, it’s clear we are bidding a fond farewell to one of our last true showmen. |
| June 15, 2016 | The Herald - Scotland | "Music review: Barry Manilow at SSE Hydro, Glasgow" by Keith Bruce |
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| The House lights dimmed and thousands of glo-sticks, issued to ticket-holders at the doors, are waved enthusiastically in response to the pulsing dance anthems of Underworld's Born Slippy and Fat Boy Slim's Right Here Right Now before the lavish red drapes slide back to reveal the thirteen-piece band and the main attraction striding onstage. It may be some years past his heyday as well as the Second Summer of Love, but that incongruous opening has the Third Age crowd on their feet from the start, which is how they stay, in the stalls at least, for much of the night. When you are eating out of the hand of Barry Manilow, the trappings of rave culture somehow sit easily alongside a karaoke trot through Can't Smile Without You that has a smiley face emoji bouncing helpfully along the lyrics projected on the screen at the back of the stage for a singalong that climbs enthusiastically through the key changes in an orgy of mutual modulation. The "Justin Beiber of the 70s" (his description) also interacts with the wraith of Judy Garland on screen in a technically sharp sample from his recent Dream Duets album, and later his younger self (a youthful 32 in fact) singing Mandy and the ballad version of Could It Be Magic that had earlier been (supposedly) rejected by his musicians in favour of a somewhat clunky tilt at Take That's disco version. There had been more theatre in Bermuda Triangle as two carefully selected audience members helped him and the backing singer act out the narrative, and when the local Ace choir emerged in scarlet surplices to boost the chorus of I Write The Songs and Copacabana. Not that the vocal thousands really needed any help. Hottest spot north of Havana? You better beliebe it. |
| June 14, 2016 | The Herald - Scotland | "Barry Manilow pulls out all the stops at the SSE Hydro" by Linda Howard |
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Music icon Barry Manilow performed in front of a packed audience at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro tonight. The 72-year-old American singer-songwriter played host to 13,000 fans as part of his One Last Time tour. After more than 400 concerts at the Las Vegas Hilton and Paris Las Vegas from 2005 to 2011, Manilow has limited his live appearances. The star, whose career has spanned over fifty years said his latest tour - launched in the USA earlier this year - was “my way of thanking everyone for their years of support...one last time!” The tour continues tomorrow night in Manchester. |
| June 14, 2016 | Birmingham Mail | "Can I still get tickets for Barry Manilow at the Genting Arena?" by David Bentley |
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| Never mind being at the Copacabana, the singing legend Barry Manilow is bringing his music to Birmingham this weekend. He’ll be performing at the Genting Arena on Saturday, June 18. It’s billed as his One Last Time! tour so this sounds like the 72-year-old star's last tour... The Birmingham show is not far away and if you haven’t already booked but fancy going along, are there any tickets left? The good news is: Yes, there are, though ticket options are becoming more and more restricted as we get nearer the weekend. The most expensive tickets at £114.04 and £97.17 are sold out, as are both hospitality packages costing £150.35 and £97.17 each. Seats nearest the stage are now all gone. But there are still some decent seats left at this point. You can get tickets at £22.92, £35.29 or £63.42 or go for the remaining expensive option of £80.29. These prices include fees. Best to act fast if you are thinking of going, or you might end up right at the back with Manilow a dot in the distance and then having to watch most of it on a large screen. Book your seats at The Ticket Factory. |
| June 14, 2016 | Glasgow Live | "If you do one thing in Glasgow today ... Barry Manilow at The Hydro: The crooner's latest tour - One Last Time! - is to be his final ever series of shows" by Fraser Glen |
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| If you're a Barry Manilow fan and have never seen him live - then this is your final chance. The crooner's latest tour - One Last Time! - is to be his final ever series of shows. And even if you're not the biggest fan, you're bound to have heard at least of one his big hits. Barry is performing at Glasgow's SSE Hydro tonight and you can expect to see a show packed full of Manilow standards, including Mandy, Could It Be Magic and I Write The Songs. And, if previous Vegas shows are anything to go by, this will be a night with plenty of showmanship and sparkle about it. |
| June 14, 2016 | PR Newswire | London Singers Join Barry Manilow for Final Concert at the O2 |
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| Singers from Popchoir will be performing with Barry Manilow on the final night of his 'One Last Time' tour at The O2 on Thursday 23rd June. The choir, made up of amateur singers who perform regularly at charity and community events across London, are honoured to have been asked to take part in the concert, which will be Manilow's last ever touring performance. Popchoir founder and director Helen Hampton said, "We are thrilled to be singing with Barry Manilow who is a genuine superstar music legend. The fact that this will be the last night of his last ever world tour makes it even more special. It's an incredible honour, and we are rehearsed and ready, and cannot wait to be part of the show." About Popchoir: Popchoir was founded in 2008 by professional singer Helen Hampton. There are currently 9 branches of Popchoir across South East England. The choir perform a range of pop classics from Abba to Adele, Lady Gaga to James Bay and have appeared not only at their own concerts at the Central Hall Westminster, Mermaid Theatre and Fairfield Halls, but also at awards ceremonies, large scale events such as the Ideal Home Show, and Sport and Comic Relief, as well as numerous charity appearances across London and the surrounds, annually raising thousands of pounds for good causes. Other highlights include shooting a music video with singer Josh Groban, performing with Foreigner in London, taking part in a flashmob marriage proposal, TV shows including The Slammer , Songs of Praise, London Live, Richard Hammond's Secret Service, Dispatches, and two appearances on TOWIE. http://www.popchoir.com
http://www.facebook.com/Popchoir
Twitter: @Popchoir
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| June 13, 2016 | Birmingham Mail | "Barry Manilow at the Genting Arena: Everything you need to know about Barry Manilow's One Last Time! concert in Birmingham" by David Bentley |
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| Barry Manilow is coming to Birmingham. He will be playing at the Genting Arena on Saturday, June 18, as part of his One Last Time! tour. After performing more than 400 concerts at the Las Vegas Hilton and Paris Las Vegas from 2005 to 2011, Manilow has limited his concert appearances. The star said his latest tour - launched in the USA earlier this year - was “my way of thanking everyone for their years of support...one last time!” Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz is the special guest for the concert. California-born Dave Koz has released a string of smooth jazz albums and singles. Manilow himself [will] perform with his band of 13 musicians and singers. Arena doors open at 6pm. Dave Koz is on at 7.30pm. This is followed by an interval at 8.05pm. Barry Manilow comes on stage at 8.25pm. The concert finishes around 10.05pm. Tickets range in price from £22.29 to £114.04. The most expensive tickets are sold out, so the priciest ones are now £97.17. Book at The Ticket Factory website. The Genting Arena is part of the NEC complex, which has more than 16,000 parking spaces. Use the postcode B40 1NT for your sat nav. As you get to the NEC, follow the local event signs to the car parking for the concert. Parking costs £10 if not booked beforehand. Pay with cash or card at the kiosks on arrival and keep your ticket as you will need it when leaving the site. Pre-paid parking is a bit cheaper at £8 and means you won’t have to queue to pay at the ticket kiosks when you arrive and leave. NEC Express Parking gets you a guaranteed space in a car park just 450 metres from the arena. You also get priority exit from the site. It can be booked up to three months in advance and costs £20. The NEC runs a free shuttle bus service from the East car parks to the Genting Arena on show days. They normally operate from half an hour before arena doors open time to one hour after the show finishes. All shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible. There is no shuttle bus service from the South and West car parks so if you park there, you have to walk to the venue. There are plenty of food and drink outlets within the Genting Arena building. These include Great British Fish & Chips which does meals deals from just £8.10, Beers & Balti where you can get chicken or sweet potato balti with race and naan bread from just £6, Hot Wok with Chinese meal deals from £9.40, Classic Burger Kitchen meal deals from £7.90 or Deli Grab & Go sandwiches from £4.90. Or go for pizza, Old El Paso Kitchen or a dessert at Sugar Rush. Alcholic and soft drinks are available at most food outlets, or try the Lakeside Cafe and bars. |
| June 13, 2016 | Glasgow Live | "Barry Manilow at The Hydro: The Ultimate Guide" by Mary Palmer |
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| Whether you consider yourself a Fanilow or not, chances are you know the words to at least a few of Barry Manilow's extensive catalogue of chart toppers. You've probably found yourself shimmying along to Copacabana or howling with emotion at Made It Through The Rain at least once on a night out. It's sad news for fans of the balladier as this latest tour - One Last Time! - is to be his final ever series of shows. So Glasgow Fanilows can lap up the chance to see the singer-songwriter in the flesh for the very last time. Expect to see a show packed full of Manilow standards, including Mandy, Could It Be Magic and I Write The Songs. And, if previous Vegas shows are anything to go by, this will be a night with plenty of showmanship and sparkle about it. You can get to [The Hydro] by rail, bus and car. Of course, it's not too far a walk from the city centre, either, if you felt up to it. If you're catching the train, you'll want to head to the lower level of Central Station and get on the train headed for Milngavie. The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre is the stop you are looking for, and you should only be 4 minutes away from your destination. Once there, head through the SECC walkway,which drops you just a few short steps away from the venue. By bus, the 100 Riversider service runs from George Square (north) in Glasgow city centre to the SECC, then Riverside Museum and return, every 30 minutes. Or you can catch the X19 bus from Renfield Street along the Broomielaw towards the Hydro. There are also plenty of parking spaces within the Hydro. On-site pay machines are located on Level 2 and ground floor main foyer of the car park. Payment can be made by cash or credit/debit card. Up to 12 hours stay will cost approximately £8. The taxi and train queues might be a bit on the long side when you get out of the venue, but it's definitely the safest way to get home. If you fancy a bite to eat before the show, look no further than The Rotunda. With three restaurants inside - La Rotuna, Yen and The Bar & Diner - you'll be spoiled for choice. So if you fancy contemporary Italian, traditional Chinese or casual dining, this restaurant is barely a few minutes walk from the venue. Pre-theatre deals are often available. If you want a taste of something spicier, India Quay is fastly becoming one of the best curry houses in the city. They have a great menu of Indian standards, as well as a tasty buffet. Definitely worth making a pit-stop for pakora on the way home. If you're heading a little further afield, Finnieston is the place to be for friendly pubs and trendy eateries. Take a look at our Best Bars in Finnieston guide to plan your pre-concert cocktails. There are also snacks and drinks available inside the venue, as well as official merchandise stalls. Typical food on offer includes pizza, chips, burgers and hot dogs. There is plenty of beer, wine and spirits available, too. There are cash machines inside the Hydro and most vendors take card. |
| June 13, 2016 | Huffington Post (UK) | "Barry Manilow Plays Leeds - Gig Review" by Roger Crow |
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| He’s never been seen as cool Barry Manilow, [but] when it comes to creating crowd pleasing tunes, the man has skills, and then some. When he took to the First Direct Arena in Leeds in mid June 2016, his first gig in the city and the first night of his latest, perhaps last, UK tour, 10,000 fans couldn’t have cared less whether he was cool or not. They were there to have a good time, and the seasoned New Yorker did not disappoint. All the old favourites, from Can’t Smile Without You to the inevitable Copacabana led to countless standing ovations ... Barry dug deep for one of his greatest tunes, Weekend in New England, and mined a rich vein of emotion. Tears were shed in the audience and Manilow, humble as ever, seemed amazed at how well the track was received. Despite a technical snafu with a Judy Garland on-screen duet (plugging his new album of dream duets with showbiz legends), Barry took it all in his stride. We were soon back on track, and the man who writes the songs (except that one) belted out the rest of his set with the gusto of a bloke half his age. [This] may be One Last Time, according to the gig’s title, but there’s little sign of Barry Manilow settling for an easy life just yet. When you have 10,000 people dancing in the aisles, that’s a hard buzz to give up. |
| June 12, 2016 | Chronicle Live | "Barry Manilow wows Newcastle fans One Last Time at Metro Radio Arena: King of the key change Barry Manilow dazzled Newcastle with hits like Mandy, I Write The Songs and Copacabana" by Simon Duke |
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| Legend, showman, icon- just three words that have been used to describe Barry Manilow over the years and there were plenty attributes of all of those titles as the multi-platinum award winner hit the Newcastle stage for what is looking like the final time on Sunday. There were plenty of very enthusiastic cheers and Manilow-inspired outfits to greet the American singer as he sang his first notes on the Metro Radio Arena stage after very unpredictably being introduced by pulsating dance beats from Underworld’s Born Slippy and Fatboy Slim’s Right Here Right Now. With a career spanning nearly six decades, Barry would have been spoilt for choice when it came to picking a suitable set list for his swan song but all the hits were in there. As a more casual fan of all things Manilow, prior to the concert I probably would only need two hands at most to count the number of his tracks I was familiar with and, while all of those were on the setlist there were others that made a fine impression. After opening with It’s A Miracle and Daybreak it was one of Barry’s most famous numbers that really saw the night burst into action. There was plenty of singing and swaying along to Can’t Smile Without You - complete with on screen lyrics for added encouragement - not that the captive audience needed it! Lovers of a Manilow ballad were kept on a high with Weekend in New England, I Made it Through The Rain arriving in close succession. Now I have to say, while I’m a huge fan of Little Mix and Kylie Minogue, the atmosphere for both of their concerts at the arena was more subdued than I expected, with many punters choosing to sit for long lengths of their shows and the mood being a bit restrained. But the same definitely couldn’t be said for the Manilow massive who were straight on their feet ready to greet Barry and were back out of their seats to give him a standing ovation on many an occasion. He clearly relished the reaction too, remarking “I feel like Justin Bieber!” Barry is famous for having a Las Vegas residency and it really did feel like Sin City came to the banks of the Tyne - with lavish curtains framing the stage, simple but effective lighting putting the focus it’s star attraction and a fantastic band of musicians behind him. The king of the key change, the vocals that first propelled Barry to fame in the 1970s are still as impressive as ever and were showcased to perfection in tracks by Keep Each Other Warm and Even Now. One of the big highlights of the show for the audience was Bermuda Triangle which saw Geordie fans Jean and Sue join their idol on stage and get decked out in suitable garb. Speaking of highlights, you can't look much further than Mandy. A karaoke favourite of many it has stood the test of time and is undoubtedly one of pop’s great ballads. But for me there was only ever going to be one shining moment. Now I don’t know what ever became of showgirl Lola, but Copacabana is still every inch the showstopper. My all time greatest guilty pleasure, it was a pinch myself moment to finally see it done in the flesh. There’s a reason why Barry Manilow is regarded as the ultimate showman. His Newcastle faithful will hope One Last Time will come round again. |
| June 10, 2016 | Dorset ECHO | "THE GUIDE INTERVIEW: Looks like he made it - Barry Manilow bids farewell" by Joanna Davis |
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| He's regularly taken his tour to Dorset but this time the final curtain will go down as Barry Manilow says farewell to touring with his last ever tour, taking in the BIC this month. Joanna Davis looks back at an extraordinary career and previews what the Dorset audience can expect. Lighters at the ready for a show-stopping finale as Barry Manilow plays the Bournemouth International Centre as part of his final world tour. It's going to be hard for Manilow's legion of fans, 'the Fanilows', to keep the tears at bay as the American singer closes with one of his power ballads; Mandy or Looks Like We Made It, the likes of which have never been emulated. Manilow's career encompasses virtually every area of music, including performing, composing, arranging and producing. A Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Manilow is ranked as the top adult contemporary chart artist of all time with more than 50 Top 40 hits. His worldwide record sales exceed 80 million. In 1978, five of Manilow's albums were on the best-seller charts simultaneously, a feat equalled only by Herb Alpert, The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, and Johnny Mathis. He has recorded and released 25 Top 40 Billboard hit singles. The legendary showman, 72, who has been entertaining since 1974, brings the One Last Time Tour to the BIC on Tuesday June 21. Last year Barry Manilow announced that he is going to “hit the road” and perform concerts across the world one last time. The entertainer launched his multi-city One Last Time Tour last autumn in North America and is now heading to the UK. Due to phenomenal public demand, extra dates were added including the BIC. Platinum-selling and nine time Grammy nominated saxophonist Dave Koz has also been announced as special guest for the UK. With his band of 13 musicians and singers, Manilow said, “We had a great time putting the show together. We hope to take everyone on an emotional roller coaster. I can’t wait to see everyone dancing in the aisles.” After performing more than 400 concerts at the Las Vegas Hilton and Paris Las Vegas from 2005 through 2011, Manilow has limited his concert appearances. The New York-born singer, who rose to fame in the 1970s, has a global fanbase. He is best-known for hits Mandy and Copacabana (At the Copa). The One Last Time Tour is a major undertaking and as Manilow said, 'is my way of thanking everyone for their years of support…one last time!' But there's not really much he'll miss about touring, he says. "No, I won't miss much at all. The only thing that's wonderful is the gig and the audience. If I could just do that every night, I'd be a happy guy. I heard this joke, 'Like the prostitute said, 'It's not the work, it's the stairs.' It's getting there that's the hard part for me. When that curtain opens and 10,000 people are screaming, you gotta be dead not to get so excited and grateful that they're still there. And 45 years of room service, it's enough." And the room service really doesn't float his boat, Manilow says. "In all these hotels, they're all the same. I don't like eating. I know that's crazy to say. I just don't really pay much attention to food. When I start to tremble, I think, 'Ooh, boy, I better eat something.' Usually it's a hamburger." He loves taking technology on the road with him. "These days, of course, I take my iPad, my computer. My Bose speaker has gotta come along with me." Manilow's latest album, the Grammy-nominated My Dream Duets, features duets with the likes of Whitney Houston, John Denver and Louis Armstrong. There isn't really anyone left who he dreams of duetting with, he says. "When I sang with Barbra (Streisand), that probably was the last of my list. When I was younger, she was it for me. Getting to know her as a friend and singing with her as a collaborator was the top of the pyramid for me." And Bette Midler was someone who Manilow performed with at an early age. "She's got her own life," he says. "I've got mine. But I did produce two albums for her: the Rosemary Clooney tribute (2003) and the Peggy Lee tribute (2005). We hadn't been very much in touch before that. It was fun and energetic and exciting and crazy. Just the way it was when I used to work with her. Bette is the genius of our generation. She is so smart and so talented. And she's funny. There's nobody like her. She can do anything." One Last Time, One Last Tour is his final live tour, taking in the UK and North America. The American leg of the tour has received good reviews - proving a homage to the Fanilows who have supported him over his four decade long career. He has used video monitors to sing two duets – one with Judy Garland and another with himself, juxtaposing 1975 Manilow with 2016 Manilow. In between tracks he has been plugging his Manilow Music Project, which gives used music instruments to children in need. It is scheduled to end on June 23 at the O2 Arena in London. It may be the final tour but chances are we haven't seen the last of Manilow yet. Barry Manilow is at the BIC on Tuesday June 21. Contact the box office for tickets. |
| June 9, 2016 | Chronicle Live | "Barry Manilow at Metro Radio Arena for One Last Time" by Gordon Barr |
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| Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena will be transformed into the Copacabana this weekend as music legend Barry Manilow comes to Toon for the final time. Last year Manilow announced he was going to “hit the road” and perform concerts across the world One Last Time and will be at the venue this Sunday. The icon launched his multi-city One Last Time! tour last autumn in North America and is now headed to the UK for a clutch of shows. Platinum-selling and nine time Grammy nominated saxophonist Dave Koz has also been announced as special guest for the UK. Koz, who has previously performed with such superstars as Burt Bacharach, Kenny Loggins, U2, Luther Vandross and Rod Stewart, is no stranger to the UK, having previously opened for the likes of Liza Minelli at the Royal Albert Hall, and also supporting Barry on his last tour of the UK back in 2014. With his band of 13 musicians and singers, Manilow said: “We had a great time putting the show together. We hope to take everyone on an emotional roller coaster. I can’t wait to see everyone dancing in the aisles.” After performing more than 400 concerts at the Las Vegas Hilton and Paris Las Vegas from 2005 to 2011, Manilow has limited his concert appearances. The One Last Time! tour is a major undertaking and as Manilow said: “It is my way of thanking everyone for their years of support...one last time!” The award-winning musician’s career skyrocketed to superstardom when his mega hit song Mandy topped the charts in 1975. In the spirit of that special year, tickets have been priced to tie into that year and start at £19.75. Manilow insisted that the average ticket price remain low and that a greater range of ticket prices be available. |
| June 7, 2016 | The Jerusalem Post | Barry Manilow show in Tel Aviv postponed |
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| Barry Manilow’s show slated for June 30 at the Menorah Mivtachim Arena has been postponed. The veteran Grammy award winning singer-songwriter had announced the show on his Facebook page in April by posting: “Manilow. Israel. June. Will you be there?” Manilow, born Barry Alan Pincus in New York, was immediately bombarded in the comments to his post by fans, some questioning if the post was a joke while others begged for information on ticket sales. Manilow responded to the comments stating that this was in fact not a joke and that the show will take place June 30 in Tel Aviv, with ticket sales opening shortly. However, producers of the show announced its postponement last week. A publicist for the promoters gave the reason as being due to the overflowing schedule of international artists performing in Israel, adding that the show would be rescheduled when the concert calendar lightened up later in the year. |
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