Past Performances 1981

April 9: It was my 5th or 6th show and I was late. Got a speeding ticket trying to get there on time, but it was worth it! For me, it's the first time every time I see Barry!! - Randy Richards (Kauai, HI) (5/9/2002)

April 11: This was my first Barry concert. My mom surprised me on my 16th birthday. Had a great seat with an un-blocked view of him. I was a "BIG" fan before seeing him live, but after that I was in love. I've since been to over 300 of his concerts (some concerts more that a dozen times!). I remain a huge barry fan, and his talent for songwriting continues to entertain us. Barry, you're the best! - Becky West (Corcoran, CA) (3/12/2006)

First Show - Mark Worrall (of England) (7/20/99)

Favorite Show (Holiday Star Plaza) - Laurie (Cammett) Kazmucha (Michigan City, IN) (9/9/2000)

First Show (Atlantic City) - Michele (of Smithville, NJ) (2/7/2001)

First Show (May 3): Today is my birthday and I noticed on the BarryNet [that it was exactly] 22 years ago that I saw Barry at the Resorts International! It was there that I first heard him sing a new song (at the time) called "Somewhere Down The Road." It really touched me. I cried. It was my exact sentiment for Barry, and there he was singing it! It was a great way to spend a birthday and I will always cherish my memories over the years of seeing Barry. - Marilyn (of Fairfield, CT) (5/3/2003)

First/Favorite Concert (May 8): It was my first time experiencing the ULTIMATE excitement of seeing Barry in person. I was three months pregnant with my first son and so excited and nervous. My husband said, make sure you don't get too nervous, you need to take care of our baby. Well, much to our surprise, when we arrived at the concert, the usher started to seat us -- he kept getting closer and closer to the stage! I said, "Oh my" how close are we going to be? Much to my delight I was sitting up against the stage!! Barry was not only close enough for me to almost touch him - but he actually looked at me a couple of times while he was singing! WOW - what a thrill!! - Pat Cooley (East Islip, Long Island, NY) (6/11/2004)

Favorite Show (Holiday Star Plaza): I loved everything about the concert. Barry Manilow is absolutely a musical genious. The most favorite part though was watching my 4 year old "Mandy" sing all the words to all the songs, then seeing her get a kiss from Barry when I stood her up on the stage and she stretched out her little arm to give him a white rose. Wish I could find a picture of that moment! What a wonderful memory. Mandy still has the dress she wore to that concert hanging in her closet, and she is now 33 and has five children of her own! - Patti Cammett (Michigan City, IN) (1/20/2010)

Highlights (May 5, Atlantic City): It's A Miracle / Jump Shout Boogie / Can't Smile Without You / Medley (The Old Songs, I Don't Want To Walk Without You, Let's Hang On) / Somewhere In The Night / Even Now / Nickels And Dimes / I Was A Fool (To Let You Go) / A Very Strange Medley / Copacabana / Somewhere Down The Road / Something Like This / Medley (I Write The Songs / Looks Like We Made It / Could It Be Magic / Mandy)

First Show - Leslie Klevens (Sunrise, FL) (7/20/99)

First Show: My daughter, Terri, was just 4-years-old at the time. For her birthday, she actually asked for a "Marry Barilow" record! We translated her baby-talk to "Barry Manilow" album and purchased it. Today she is a beautful teacher and mom and still has that cherished album! I took Terri to two shows at Sunrise that year. Barry walked on stage from the left side of the audience wearing a white suit. Since we were in the first row, a precious little girl all dressed up (white glover and all!) was the first thing that he must have seen... he walked over as he was singing and leaned over toward her. She looked up at him in absolute awe and admiration and became so overwhelmed that she put her little head on my shoulder and fell exhaustedly asleep!! We are so blessed to know that Barry is still writing the songs that really do make the whole world sing from one generation to another. Thanks! - Barbara Kennedy and family (in Florida) (4/12/2002)

First Show - Dee Dee Yardley (Boise, ID) (4/16/2009)

First Show: [What I liked about the concert was] Barry and his sincerity. He not only is a true showman, he is a friend to all of us who have made him a part of our lives. He's [just] a CD player away! Thanks, Barry, for talking to us like we've known each other all of our lives. And we almost have! - Kenna Marshall (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) (3/6/2002)

What an AMAZING show! I talked my girlfriend's parents into driving us 65 miles to see Barry (paying my girlfriend's ticket helped too!). Just sitting there in the Pacific Coliseum, the anticipation was killing me! And when Barry finally came out onto that big round stage, it was as if the very air glowed around him! Back then I was shy and awkward, and there was something so caring and sensitive about Barry and his music. It lovingly drew me in and gave me hope. I still remember walking around that piano during intermission. It seemed to echo with his presence and with the music! Barry will always be a class act in my book! - Donna Kellett (Vancouver, B.C.) (5/20/2002)

Barry was stunning! His white piano appeared on the spot, it was on a revolving stage and then on he strolled in 'that peach suit', so tall and lean... and His smile... WOW! I will never forget that moment. I have been a fan forever!! - Suzie Jarvis (5/18/2002)

First Show:  My best friend gave me my first Barry concert in 1981 for my birthday. We go together every chance we get. It's a perfect way to share memories with a best friend! - Theresa Zanassi (Kirkland, WA) (5/19/99)

First Show - Leigh Clay (Glendale, CA) (7/26/99)

First Show - Linda Nichols (Puyallup, WA) (9/18/99)

First Show - Jan Holwegner (Edmonds, WA) (12/28/2001)

I had such a great time. It was the first concert I had ever been to and what a show! The round stage, the piano, I had visions of making love on top of that gorgeous piano for years to come. It was AWESOME! Barry if you ever read this, know that thousands of people love your music and I am one in those thousands. I have listened to you all my life (well, from age 15 on up anyway...). What a wonderful performer you are! I hope someday to get the opportunity to see another show. - Tina Hanson (Portland, OR) (3/19/2002)

First Show - Pamela Novikoff (Leavenworth, WA) (3/5/2002)

September 8: Was on holiday in the U.S. and WHO should be doing a show in L.A.? Great experience seeing Barry on the revolving stage at the Forum! - Keith Brian (Manchester, UK) (10/14/2007)

First Show - Stephanie Judson (Lakewood, CA) (1/30/2003)

This was my 2nd Barry concert and my best girlfriend and I waited in line ALL NIGHT outside the Convention Center for tickets. While waiting in line, we made friends with some very nice people and are still friends with them to this day. See what being a Fanilow does for ya? Gives you friends for life! We got seats 5 rows from the front. I took my mom to this show and she loved it! Good times, great friends, and fabulous music! What more could anyone want?! - Kathy Burdick (Bell) (Garden Grove, CA) (7/18/2006)

First Show - Cheryl Cannon (Tucson, AZ) (7/3/2002)

First Show - Brenda Drudge (of Arizona) (7/1/2002)

First Show - [What I liked about this show? Put simply] Barry gave me a lot of hope! - Bridget Ford (of California) (7/1/2002)

First Show - Tamera (of San Diego, CA) (11/10/2002)

First Show - Maureen Griffin (San Diego, CA) (10/21/2009)

I will never ever forget this concert as long as I live! I was twelve years old and my dad snagged tickets at the last second to a sold-out crowd at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. I took my best friend Susan. Two little 12-year-old girls sat amongst a sea of college students and loved every moment of it. I was mesmerized. The stage moved, Barry never stopped moving. He changed costumes, and he did not seem to mind that we all sang with him. He was, and still is, the ULTIMATE performer! I have seen a lot of concerts over the years and I still believe that there will never be a concert that can hold a candle to Barry Manilow's. He knows how to sing and grab hold of the audience and make them glad they came to spend some time with him. Thanks, Barry, for music you can understand, that means something, and everyone can relate too. - Tara (of San Diego, CA) (9/21/2002)

First Show: I still have the newspaper articles and my ticket stubs from the first concert. Ticket prices were $12.50 each. - Diane Huff (Springville, Utah) (4/13/2011)

First Show: I had a lot of fun. I hung off the balcony and howled at him. The music and showmanship was great. [Barry's album] was the first that I ever bought. The instant I heard "Mandy" I was a fan. I loved the concert. It will always be a sweet and wonderful memory. - Debra Jacobson (Provo, Utah) (2/12/2020)

It was my first Manilow concert. My mother went with me as I was only 15! - Dana Ray-Benton (Stroud, OK) (5/29/99, 4/11/2003)

First Show - Karen Keady (of Kansas City, MO) (1/17/2001)

My first and only Barry concert, I took my friend Gene and we both enjoyed it. I especially liked the commercials medley! Hard to believe I was only 21 then! - Joe T. (Fort Worth, TX) (2/12/2002)

First Show - Elizabeth Druery (Dallas, TX) (8/12/2002)

First Show - Sharon Trimble (Dallas, TX) (6/17/2004)

First Show - Rebecca Trevino (Dallas, TX) (1/18/2003)

I've seen some absolutely fantastic Manilow shows (and I've been to many) but I think the [first one] "In the Round" will always be my favorite because that's the night I was "Manilowed". Even though we were waaay up in the last balcony and Barry looked like a little pink dot down there on that circular stage, I was completely bowled over. I left the Arena that night in awe of what I had just experienced. Thanks, Barry, for all the years of great music and sharing your musical genius with all of us. I, for one, will be forever grateful. - Loretta Balter (San Antonio, TX) (1/18/2003)

First Show - Anita R. Huskey (East Carondelet, IL) (1/20/2003)

First Show - Jody Adkisson (of Missouri) (1/26/2007)

First Show: Barry gets better and better every single time I see him. He's absolutely AMAZING!! - Katie (of Antigo, WI) (4/24/2004)

First Show - Jim Monroe (of Iowa) (4/17/2009)

First Show - Ginny Capotosto (3/15/98)

First Show Memory (Oct. 4): My ex-girlfriend (at the time, now my wife) and I were 10 rows from the stage. "The Old Songs" was Barry's newest hit. When Barry came out for the start of the second half of the concert, he was wearing his "Copa" jacket and performed "Copacabana." After the song, he took off the jacket, and underneath he was wearing a Kirk Gibson Detroit Tiger jersey. The crowd went nuts! My wife and I were married 1-1/2 years after the concert, and we recently celebrated our 15th anniversary, still going strong (and still listening to the old LP's). - Dennis Hall (Lapeer, MI) (8/16/98)

First Show (October 4) - Sandy Riley (Roseville, MI) (8/15/99)

I got to meet Barry! It was a magical night. I have met so many wonderful friends over 25 years, and been to places I would have never gone to had it not been for Barry. From Toronto to California and everywhere in between. Thanks, Barry, for the music, the love, and the friendship. - Debbi Weldon (Albany, GA) (6/24/2000)

First Show - Kelly Strange (Redford, MI) (7/3/2000)

Of all the Manilow concerts I have ever attended, This One sticks out The Most with the Best memories! The Concert was AWESOME!! That Arena was FILLED from first row all the way up to the nosebleed sections. People yelled and stomped their feet and the whole place just shook from the vibrations with each song he did. At one part, Barry just stood there with this unbelievable look on his face. I remember this like it was only yesterday! Not only did Barry do the BEST concert, but I also got to meet him after the show for the very first time. After the concert my friends -- 10 of us, plus 4 other friends from the local BMFC Fan Club in Detroit (you KNOW who they are!) -- got invited backstage by Barry himself. Talk about it being a MAGICAL night! I couldn't get over how down-to-earth he really was, kind of shy, and GORGEOUS!! - Susie George (Palmerton, PA) (10/12/2002)

First Show (October 3): Barry is the BEST performer and entertainer because he engages with his audience and generates so much energy that even those who are not die-hard fans appreciate and love the performance. Barry sings from his heart and connects eomotionally to the lyrics and music. He is an inspiration, a legend, and a person with incredible talent... not to mention good looks! I have loved and appreciated Barry from the first moment I heard him at the tender age of six, and I have follwed his career for the past 25 years. My admiration for this man who possesses so much talent has never ceased (and will never cease!). He is the true "studio musician" and I thank him for every piece of music he has ever shared. - Lisa Kaufman (West Bloomfield, MI) (1/22/2004)

First/Favorite Show (October 3): I enjoyed everything about my first concert experience! The crowd (and MAN was it ever crowded!), Barry's showmanship, his voice, his talent, his voice, his interaction with the crowd, his voice (...heh-heh). "If I Should Love Again," that song will forever be planted in my mind as my all-time favorite, mostly because it was so beautiful. The crowd got so quiet just to hear him sing it for the first time! At the end of the show, a couple of hundred fans stood outside Joe Louis Arena waiting to catch a glimpse of Barry, and when his car drove past us, I just stared out of amazement at his eyes! Then when Victor came out carrying the "One Voice" wall hanging rug I made for Barry, I almost passed out! My gift to him for his gift to me. He was born to sing, and I was born to listen! Ever since I first heard his voice on the radio as a young teen, any new song he created, I would always end up doing the same....sit numbly, and listen as if it were the first time I ever heard his voice! I still do that today!! - Carol (Allport) Deel (Warren, MI) (6/17/2004)

First Show (October 4) - Debbie Hawrylyshyn (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) (5/19/2010)

October 3: I attended my first Barry concert in 1981. I was six years old. I remember singing his songs the entire day before my mom and dad and I went to the show. - Mary Ann Topolewski (Clinton Township, Michigan) (8/7/2011)

First Show - Mary Murphy (Detroit, Michigan) (1/10/2012)

First Show - Susan Bowman (Dublin, OH) (7/23/98)

First Show:  Front row seats at Centennial Hall! - Heather Muszynski (Toledo, OH) (12/24/98)

First Show - Kathy Hirsch (Aurora, CO) (10/16/2001)

The music and the atmosphere were fantastic. It took me a few days to "come down" from that concert! - Nancy Wrana (Painesville, OH) (1/21/2003)

First Show - Denise Parkman (Toledo, Ohio) (7/24/2011)

First Show - Mary Sell (Belvidere, IL) (1/24/2004)

First of all, I got to bring my Grandma Bailey and her sister, my Aunt Betty, with me. Second, I was there to see one of my all-time favorite singers. I have loved Barry's music since I was a young girl in the '70s. What I most loved was not only seeing him and hearing him, but his sense of humor. He put on a great show, and I still call it the best concert I have ever been to. - Deb Bailey (Rockford, IL) (6/23/2010)

First Show - Toni Shoukletovich (Marion, IL) (4/8/2000)

First Show - Sharon Hoellman (Crestwood, KY) (2/6/2000)

First Show: The concert was my 10th birthday present. My mom bullied our way to the stage where I threw a single red rose with "You write the songs that make my whole world sing" written on the card. Barry picked up my rose and read the card, but apologized because he couldn't read the name. I have been in love ever since. - Kellie Phillips Millican (Gadsden, AL) (10/5/2005)

First Show - Charlotte Gomez (Virginia Beach, VA) (5/24/2003)

First Show - Dawn Dubinsky (Atlanta, GA) (1/11/2000)

First Show - Terri Glenn Deal (Hickory, NC) (7/21/2000)

First Show - Karen Sammons (Charlotte, NC) (12/12/2000)

First Show - Annette Church (Gastonia, NC) (6/11/2002)

It was the very first concert of anyone that I had ever attended. I had always been a major Barry Manilow fan and had always wanted to see him. I couldn't believe that the very first concert I went to I got a front row seat! Fantastic concert!! At 38, I am still a Super Fan. My daughter, who is now age 10, really loves his music, especially the "Manilow Sings Sinatra" album. Manilow's music will live forever! - Rick Harrell (Kinston, NC) (6/28/2000)

I have only seen Barry Manilow in concert once and have been waiting for him to come back to North Carolina ever since! After seeing his TV special on May 18th, 2002 (Ultimate Manilow!), I am ready to see him again. Barry, you are wonderfully talented and creative. There are few artists I would pay money to see, but you are one of them!! Your music makes me feel good. Thanks for sharing it with us. - Sherri Ronn (Greensboro, NC) (5/19/2002)

First Show - Katrina (of Greensboro, NC) (6/17/2009)

I had been a fan of Barry's since the middle 70's. This was the first opportunity to see him. The stage was in the center of the auditorium. His piano was white and I believe that the setting was In The Round. The music & staging was excellent. As of 04-01-00, my wife and I own all but two of his recordings. His music and his passion for music and people continues to be an inspiration to our family. Thank You Barry! - Kim D. Senn (Spartanburg, SC) (4/3/2000)

First Show - Candy (of Greenville, SC) (4/3/2000)

First Show - Patricia (Pat) Dohner (Myrtle Beach, SC) (12/27/2010)

First Show - Vicki Beatty (Columbia, South Carolina) (7/30/2012)

First Show - Michael von Redlich (Concord, NH) (3/15/2001)

First/Favorite Show: I just loved Barry and still do! I have every album (LP) that man has ever done and I've only missed one show he has ever done in Birmingham. His shows are entertaining and most of all FUN! I love to sing along with him. I hope he never gives up this profession! - Janis Wyatt (Birmingham, AL) (6/6/2002)

This is the ONLY concert I have ever been to. I was 15, and went with some friends. We had a fantastic time, acted like total lunatics. I screamed the whole time... That is one of my all-time best memories. I'd love to see him again. I'd love to take MY kids to see Barry! - Jeanette Smith (Harlem, GA) (9/4/2004)

This was the first concert that I had ever been to. I went with my husband (first), his sister, and several other family members. That concert was probably the best time I ever had in my life. My husband said "you would have thought Jesus Christ had walked out on stage!" I was so excited to see Barry in person. I had listened to his music, and still do listen to his music to this day. I hope to see him again someday. He will always be my all-time favorite singer/songwriter. His music takes me away from all the stress of life and makes me smile. I am in Savannah, Georgia, now and hope that Barry will come here someday. My husband (second) said he wlll take me if he does. Thanks for the memories. - Elizabeth A. Smith (Greenville, SC) (1/23/2008)

For "Copacabana", Barry had a "costume" he wore and after the song finished took off the jacket to reveal a Steelers jersey with #12. Terry Bradshaw (our quarterback at the time). The place went wild! What a thrill!! - Kathy Nonclerg (Pittsburgh, PA) (7/31/2005)

First Show - Linda Metelsky (Freedom, PA) (5/2/2009)

First Show - Rosann M. Danlovich (Pittsburgh, PA) (2/26/2010)

First Show - Ruth Shaw (Irwin, Pennsylvania) (2/29/2012)

First Show: My first time seeing him, I was 7 years old. I still remember it, he was larger than life. It was "Barry in the Round" - a stage that was a circle that spun real slow so that everyone could see him. I remember it like it was yesterday! That was 30 years ago. He had palm trees and a flashy ruffled shirt. The Steelers were the big thing back then, and I remember him ripping off his ruffled shirt and he had a Steelers jersey on underneath! It has forever been in my memory, always will be! - Jennifer Lackey (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) (8/21/2012)

Highlights: I Write The Songs / Can't Smile Without You / The Old Songs Medley (The Old Songs, I Don't Want To Walk Without You, Let's Hang On) / Tryin' To Get The Feeling Again / Even Now / Nickels And Dimes / I Was A Fool (To Let You Go) / Medley: Beautiful Music/I Made It Through The Rain / Weekend In New England / Medley: Break Down The Door/Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed / Commercial Jingles (State Farm, Stuck on Band-Aids) / If I Should Love Again / It's A Miracle / Bandstand Boogie / Daybreak / This One's For You / Looks Like We Made It / Medley: Could It Be Magic/Mandy / Let's Take All Night (To Say Goodbye) / One Voice

First and Favorite Show (November 28):  This was my first Barry concert and I was blown away by his performance. Until this time I went to see various artists perform, but after this show I only went to see Barry because I know that no other performer can compare, and it would be such a disappointment to see anyone else because no one else has his Magic. And no one else can move me the way that he does. - Mildred Blackwell (Spring Hill, FL) (2/17/99, 5/19/99)

November 27: The concert in the Nassau Coliseum was one of the best because I had 4th row aisle seats on the floor. Barry was using the stage In The Round that rotated slowly so everyone could see him. He also traveled the stage to give everyone a chance. I remember his puffy sleeve shirt for Copacabana and I remember him being wheeled in to the stage on some cart in the shirt and everyone throwing flowers and stuffed animals. I got to see him up close and I have a picture of him on the cart with a Smurf stuffed doll. He also dis-robed later on in the show to display an Islanders jersey to the delight of everyone. It was a great evening as is any concert of Barry's that one attends. They are never disappointing. - Elena Abbene (Bedford, NH) (12/1/2001)

First/Favorite Show: A wonderful evening all around. - Barbara Russell (Westbury, NY) (8/2/2002)

November 28: This was my first Barry concert. I was three years old! My mother, my aunt and her friend took me. We had 11th row [seats]. I knew that Barry loved beagles, so I brought with me my favorite Snoopy doll to give to him. At the end of the concert, my aunt's friend put me on his shoulders and walked me up to the stage and I gave my doll to Barry. - Allison (of New Jersey) (8/7/2002)

First Show - Roberta Gentile (Baldwin, NY) (1/30/2006)

First Show - Nancy Bartek (Middletown, CT) (4/28/2009)

First Show (November 27) - MaryAnne Spinella (Bay Shore, NY) (6/14/2009)

I remember my first show when I was 8 at the Portland Civic Center in Portland, Maine! I remember one woman brought him a cake which she presented to him during the show. - Lisa (of Pembroke, NH) (1/5/2008)

First Show: Loved everything! Barry makes my heart pound... his fantastic music (awesome voice, touching lyrics, moving melodies), great sense of humour, passion and energy, and most of all, his way of "singing to me only" (as everyone believes). I remember Barry broke the record for attendance at Maple Leaf Gardens (over 50,000 people) - WOW! I also remember a revolving stage too - everyone could be up close and personal with him at the same time. Mostly, I was so affected by my first Barry Manilow concert that I couldn't concentrate for two weeks afterwards; I couldn't stop thinking of him. He was amazing then and still is today. - Shirley Kung (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) (6/14/2007)

First Show - Judy (of Toronto, Canada) (8/28/2011)

First Show - Nancy deJong (Milton, Ontario, Canada) (6/21/2013)

First Show: I was so amazed at how great Barry was Live. He puts on the best show I've ever seen. I've been to see him only five times but I've never stopped being amazed at his talent. - Kate Brick (Wethersfield, CT) (2/24/2002)

First Show - Natalie (of Connecticut) (2/25/2002)

It was a special moment being my first concert ever. I got to see The Man I had a crush on at age seven. I loved his music since I was five. It was special all around. It was one event I remember doing with my parents before they were divorced. - Carey Monkwoski (of New Jersey) (10/31/2000)

First Show - Rose Fenstermaker (New Ringgold, PA) (3/25/2001)