Can't Smile Without You 1982-1984
October 6, 1982 - Dee Events Center (Ogden, Utah)
photo by Julee Jaquays (provided by Daunna Becker)
October 5, 1984 - Salt Palace Arena (Salt Lake City, Utah)
provided by Wendy Bradshaw
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October 6, 1982 - Dee Events Center (Ogden, Utah)
October 25, 1982 - Park West (Chicago, Illinois)
The next day I heard on the radio that he was going to be at the Park West in Chicago that night performing two shows. Tickets were on sale at the (box office), so I drove there and stood in the ticket line all day for numerous hours. I had just enough time to go home, change clothes and ask a friend to join me (Unfortunately she had a school conflict and could not go). So I drove back for the first show. Because I was alone, I was escorted to sit up front near the stage. When it came time for Barry to find a singing partner, he first walked to the opposite side of the stage then headed back toward my side. The crowd was going crazy with people trying to get his attention. At that time I simply raised my hand and said, "Hey Barry!" He then pointed at me and told me to come up to join him on stage. It was the neatest experience. I will always remember what he said to me, "nice voice, wrong key". Before I left the stage he asked if he could give me a hug and I said yes. He then asked if he could give me a kiss and I said yes. An audience member was kind enough to take pictures of my singing debut with Barry which I cherish along with the T-shirt that Barry gave me for singing with him. It's a night I'll never forget. Thanks Barry! (11/18/98)
November 16, 1982 - Reynolds Coliseum (Raleigh, North Carolina)
I never saw a single person in the audience.
Due to the spotlights I could only see everyone on stage...that was a GOOD thing!
I wasn't nervous at all until I sat back down and realized what I had just done!
Then he gave me my t-shirt with his autograph. I was absolutely in heaven!
A lot of people came up to me after the show and wanted to know if our duet was
rehearsed! I told them no but some of them still didn't believe me!
Anyway... it was a fantastic evening which I will never be able to top. I had my 15
minutes of fame. (8/8/97)
December 1, 1982 - Mid-South Coliseum (Memphis, Tennessee)
During the whole show, I was using my Kodak 110 Camera and went through an entire roll of 36 exposure film. BUT - did you know after your film was completed, you could remove the film and continue to push the button, activating the flash, and making it look like you were still taking pictures??!?? Yep, that's exactly what I did - and was at the foot of the stage for almost the entire night! And then it was 10:30pm. We knew we had the long drive home ahead of us, and my friend Lisa's mom was adamant about our midnight curfew on a school night. But wait! Barry had just announced that he was going to bring someone up on stage! Hold my purse and my coat, girls... I'll be right back! They all laughed at me, but he chose me from the crowd after all! Ironically, he had mentioned someone named "Julie" in his remarks that night, and everyone laughed when I told him my name was Julie. My friends were now at the foot of the stage and assured him that I wasn't telling a fib! But bummer, my camera was out of film, so I didn't get any close-up pictures. I do have some far away photos that other residents of Oxford took of me once they realized I was from their hometown. My picture made the Oxford Eagle (newspaper) and my senior high school yearbook too! Once I came down from the stage, we had to dash out the door to avoid getting grounded. We were a few minutes past our curfew, and here's how Lisa explained our tardiness to her mother: "Mom - Julie got called up on stage to sing with Barry Manilow. That would be like you getting called up on stage to sing with Elvis!!!" To which she replied: "Oh that's huge!" Good night girls. And none of us got in trouble for being late. And none of us had trouble getting up on time for school the next day...we couldn't wait to tell everyone the story - and yes, I wore my t-shirt to school that day! I'm headed to Vegas soon and hope to see him at Resorts World! I can't believe it's been 40 years. I can no longer fit into that cute t-shirt, so maybe I'll have to make my own to wear to the show! Thank you, Barry, for being so genuine and staying true to your talent! - Julie Rule (Oxford, Mississippi) (now Tampa, Florida) (9/23/2022)
December 3, 1982 - (Mobile, Alabama)
The three of us (Lori, Joel and I) sat together and screamed (and sang-along!) at Barry the entire time! The concert was great and we had no idea that he was doing the "Can't Smile Without You" thing. When Barry started looking for someone to sing with him, we FREAKED! No offense to Lori and Joel -- and I think they would agree with me! -- but of the three of us, I had the better singing voice... so I was READY! (ha ha!). Anyway, when Barry stopped by us (we were screaming the loudest, I'm convinced!), he pointed at us! Joel was in the middle (and much taller than my cousin and I) wearing purple... let's just say she stood out a bit. So, she started getting escorted by Barry's people, but Lori and I were CONVINCED he had pointed at US! We started pulling on Joel and as excited as we were, we wanted her to take us with her! It was a THRILL beyond anything I can describe to watch a very good friend and fellow "Manilow-Maniac" standing on stage in between Barry's legs singing together! WOW! She got the shirt signed by Barry, but I think it was before videos were made... When we went out to eat after the concert, lots of people came up to us to meet us and congratulate her. It was UNREAL! We didn't sleep in the hotel that night and to this day, that concert remains probably the best one I have ever experienced! So, even though I personally didn't sing with Barry, my friend sang for me and it was definitely a shared moment! (9/17/2004)
January 15, 1983 - Hirsch Coliseum (Shreveport, Louisiana)
Barry's first comment to me was "My, you're a tiny little thing, aren't you!" He then proceeded to make me feel like I was born to sing on stage with him. He told the audience that I sang "almost on key", then hugged and kissed me. ME -- kissed by the man of my dreams! As I began to leave the stage, he grabbed my hand and pulled me back for another kiss!! I was blown away. The t-shirt he gave me is in my safe deposit box. It has never been worn or washed. I still take it out every now and then to relive the feeling, or to prove to someone that I actually did sing with Barry Manilow. I still harbor the hope that one day I'll get to meet him in person again, and tell him what a wonderful experience the night was for me! I love you, Barry!! (12/7/2001)
January 20, 1983 - Five Seasons Center (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
I sang my heart out, I think they turned down my
microphone. It was of course all very much like a dream...In this dream
I remember his genuine excitement, I can still kind of hear his squeals
of delight when I think about it. Of course I remember the two hugs, one
of which he lifted me off of the stage, and the three kisses. But, I
also remember very distinctly the smell of pancake stage make up.
My best friend Francesca was at the concert with me. I'm sure
that there is another woman out there who will understand when I say, I
thought our friendship would never be the same again. I mean we were a
TEAM. We would sing the songs together, act out the Copacabana at her
sixteenth birthday party together, and [we even performed] "You Made Me Love You" at the
FGBMIFCC (First Great BMIFC Convention) together. There was someone missing
up there that night and it
has taken years to get over the guilt and bad feelings. If only Barry
would pick Francesca someday!! (8/8/97)
January 22, 1983 - Pershing Auditorium (Lincoln, Nebraska)
January 28, 1983 - (Fort Worth, Texas)
February 6, 1983 - Circle Star Theatre (San Jose, California)
So, it came time in the show when he said "I think I need someone to help me... how about you!?" The next thing I knew a security guard was coming down my aisle and said "Let's go..." I couldn't believe it!! I went up onstage and it was so surreal. He and I were dressed almost exactly alike - tuxedo pants, white shirt, red bow tie (it was the '80's you know...). Anyway, all I really remember from that moment on were his blue eyes and how I couldn't believe I was singing this song with him. He asked "Do you know the song "Can't Smile Without You"? I said, "Of course I do but I can't sing very well." He said "Don't worry about it," and off we went. When I came back to my seat, the girls behind me just stared. Later, after the show was over, people literally parted the way for me to get by - it was so weird. I even heard people muttering under their breath "that's her, that's her." Some even thought I was a "plant" because I sang so well and seemed too comfortable on stage to be anything but a planned person to do this with him. The night I sang with him was his last show at the Circle Star Theater. I will always remember it with great fondness but I'm glad I'm not a movie star or singer - that little bit of being recognized was enough for me! Barry was and still is one of my favorite singers. I definitely consider myself one of the lucky ones! (4/23/2009)
February 26, 1983 - Uris Theater (New York City, New York)
It was one of the luckiest days of my life. My friend and I sat in the seventh row
to the left of the theater. I screamed and shouted and applauded at the end of every
song. Barry was fantastic!! I was wearing a light green sweater that night with
black corduroy pants. He said, "Now who would like to come up on stage and sing 'Can`t
Smile Without You'?" I screamed as loud as I could, "Pick me, Barry, pick me!" He
looked around and said, "The girl in the green sweater, come up here and sing with
me." I was so excited!
He reached out his hand to me and I took it. I almost died. I was so shy and
embarassed I buried my head in my hands, then looked up to realize I was walking around the
stage with Barry Manilow! He looked perfect! He introduced me to his band, then
walked me over to his piano. He jumped up on it and pulled me closer to him. He
wrapped his arms around me, then gave me a microphone and sang "Can`t Smile
Without You". He chuckled and laughed with me. It was a dream come true!
After it was over, I jumped up on him. He held me and gave me the biggest hug
imaginable! After I left the stage he said, "Barbara from the Bronx, you were wonderful
and I have a gift for you." "Here is a t-shirt that says 'I sang with Barry Manilow',"
and he signed it too. He joked and said I did other things with him too! It
was a night to remember!!
That night my mother was so happy for me. She was dying of breast cancer and I got to
share [the moment] with her... She died the following week on March 11, 1983. Barry,
you made my mother smile before she [passed away]... Thanks for making her smile! (8/9/98)
March 3, 1983 - Uris Theater (New York City, New York)
May 18, 1983 - Festival Hall (Brisbane, Australia)
My parents had just split up - I was having a hard time coping - and my mother was praying that maybe I'd get an autograph or something at the concert. We certainly got more than we bargained for! Only those who have sung with their greatest idol can imagine what that experience was like. I'm incapable of putting it into words (don't I sound like a sop!).
Whenever I hear "Can't Smile Without You" while I'm shopping or it suddenly comes onto the radio, it brings up warm feelings and happy memories of a time when one of the all-time-greatest-artists took the time to make this fan feel special! I could never thank Barry enough for that moment nor the aftermath of that experience. It's something that I have tucked away in the recesses of my mind that helps me to feel special when I don't! (8/20/99)
May 21, 1983 - Festival Hall (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)
I was so relieved when it all worked out. If it had not, and I had not gone to Melbourne, well, I would never have had this miracle happen to me. From the sea of faces making up the crowd in Festival Hall on 21st May, Barry chose me to sing with him. I can't sing, I will be the first to admit it, but I don't think that mattered to anyone, least of all me and Barry. I was so nervous, yet so excited. I have this little twitch I get on the top lip when I am really nervous, and yes, it did not let me down. I was hoping and praying Barry could not see it. At the time it all seemed to be happening in slow motion, but as time passed and I look back on the experience, it flew in a few seconds. Barry gave me a t-shirt to remember the occasion by, and for a while there it looked like [that was] all I would have, except for the pictures in my head. I think because they were so over-excited, the girlfiends I travelled with forgot to take any photos of the event!! I was so disappointed. But some months later I got word that a fan in Melbourne was trying to track me down. She had photos and wanted to send them to me. Wow, how amazing was that! I will never forget this amazing event in my life. (4/14/2000)
June 23, 1983 - Poplar Creek (Chicago, Illinois)
When the lights swung around to my side of the stage, it was as if everyone in front of me sat down and there I was. He picked me. For a moment I thought of sitting down and not doing it and then I knew that if I didn't, I would forever regret it. So, I went up on the stage and it was wonderful. I will never forget it! People asked me after if I was a professional. Ha-Ha! I received a signed T-shirt and was excited when I saw my picture in the Paradise Cafe program the next year (Pat- Chicago). People I never met came up to me and offered me pictures they had taken, so I have a few nice pictures of the night. After I went back to my seat, I was shaking and shook the rest of the 2nd half of the show. I didn't hear a single thing after that, so I had to come back the next night to hear the rest of the show! (10/6/98)
June 25, 1983 - Poplar Creek (Chicago, Illinois)
July 5, 1983 - Blossom Music Center (Cleveland, Ohio)
July 13, 1983 - Mann Music Center (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
July 21, 1983 - Starlight Theater (Kansas City, Missouri)
July 22, 1983 - Civic Auditorium (Omaha, Nebraska)
July 25, 1983 - Concord Pavilion (Concord, California)
July 31, 1983 - Pacific Amphitheatre (Costa Mesa, California)
He gets so close to you when you are standing facing him and because I was so scared I just looked deep into those blue eyes. Then comes the part where you walk and swing arms... "Just like Donny & Marie!" Ha-Ha! [Next] he jumps on the piano behind you. He likes to tease, so he started playing with my hair. Well, by then I started to get more comfortable and that was a green light for me, so I started to rub his leg some (Now we are having fun!!). I looked at him and said "If you only knew what I am going through" and pointed at him. He laughed, which made me feel better.
At the end he said he was sorry for being so sweaty (How sweet is that?!) and I went in for the hug. When he takes you to the end of stage to exit he was looking down and thinking, and I thought I would not get a kiss. At first I was going to just go then I thought I may never have this chance again so I said, "Barry very softly," and he got the idea and I got my kiss. Like everyone else I was three feet off the ground for quite awhile. All the people that use to tease me and said I will never met him, could not believe it. Thank goodness for the kindness of people that gave me pictures they had taken in concert. So I have more than just the T-Shirt for the memory. Thanks to Barry and thanks to the nice people that helped to get me the pictures. (9/15/99)
August 13, 1983 (Early Show) - Caesar's (Lake Tahoe, Nevada)
August 13, 1983 (Late Show) - Caesar's (Lake Tahoe, Nevada)
August 27, 1983 - Blenheim Palace (Oxfordshire, England)
September 5, 1983 - Glasgow Apollo (Glasgow, Scotland)
September 25, 1983? - Congressgebouw (The Hague, The Netherlands)
September 26, 1983? - Congressgebouw (The Hague, The Netherlands)
It was wonderful and my mum who had come with me was so startled that she hadn't made any pictures. Later that evening when I had my dad on the phone and told him I had sang with Barry and kissed him he didn't believe one word. I gave the phone to my mum, so that he might believe her, and in the end he did. Next day I was still in The Hague and a lot of girls came up to me to ask if I was the girl who sang with Barry. Weird,they wanted to take their picture with me! I also met Phyllis from England.She was so kind as to send me some pictures she had made during the concert. Since then my mum and dad have died and because this time was so special for all of us it's still difficult for me to listen to Barry without wandering off to that time again and getting sentimental as you can imagine. I can easily say it was one of the highlights (next to the birth of my son and my wedding day) of my life so far. Thanks, Barry, for this wonderful experience! (4/10/2015)
December 30, 1983 - Universal Amphitheatre (Los Angeles, California)
December 31, 1983 - Universal Amphitheatre (Los Angeles, California)
October 5, 1984 - Salt Palace Arena (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Since then I have performed all over Utah, and have just recently finally released my own CD! I also have several performances coming up, and possibly a performance at the 2002 Olympics. If Barry only knew what an influence he has had on my music... He was my silent and only mentor, without even knowing it. I hope someday I can talk to him and let him hear the music, and the spirit of music, he has inspired in a new artist. It is Magic! I'll always remember "When October 5, Goes". (5/26/2000)
October 9, 1984 - Kemper Arena (Kansas City, Missouri)
October 10, 1984 - Metropolitan Center (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
October 12, 1984 - (Rockford, Illinois)
October 13, 1984 - (St Louis, Missouri)
October 18, 1984 - (Toledo, Ohio)
October 20, 1984 - Market Square Arena (Indianapolis, Indiana)
October 30, 1984 - Radio City Music Hall (New York, New York)
To date it, when Barry and I were strolling around, he said "I feel like Mondale & Ferraro". I remember him looking at me and nodding to the crowd, encouraging me from their positive reaction. It's a Miracle I could sing, I was so nervous my mouth was like cotton. I got the t-shirt which is still in my parents' house. Some people in the audience took pictures and mailed them to me, which I will always treasure. I met his mother in the audience. My second grade teacher who was in the crowd came down to see me. It was all so thrilling. I was 15 at the time so my parents were waiting for us after the show a few blocks away. As we walked through the streets of Manhattan, people were coming up to me on the streets, recognizing me (I had gotten mobbed at the concession stand earlier). When we saw my Dad, I ran to him trying to explain. Even the t-shirt didn't help him believe me. What worked was the car that pulled out of the parking garage with people asking for my autograph! The mention of me in his review the next day in the Daily News didn't hurt! Unbelievable!! (9/25/98)
October 31, 1984 - Radio City Music Hall (New York, New York)
November 2, 1984 - Radio City Music Hall (New York, New York)
November 4, 1984 - Radio City Music Hall (New York, New York) (midnight performance)
November 6, 1984 - Radio City Music Hall (New York City, New York)
December 4, 1984 - Round House Arena (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
December 30, 1984 - Universal Amphitheatre (Los Angeles, California)
I remember trying desperately to remember everything. The way you can only see knees in the front row, not hearing anyone but Barry, and those blue, blue eyes! As Barry cued the band, I remember thinking "OMIGOSH, I really have to SING!" and trying to match Barry's key. The ham in me came out, big time, as I taught Barry a new dance step, and chimed "THE BEST PART!!!" as I was pulled to the piano between those legs for the finale! My favorite part, because it caused Barry to giggle in my ear! Then during the last note, I pointed to Barry ('without YOOOUU!!'). I also held his hand at the piano, as opposed to his knee, because I wanted to touch skin, not pantleg!! I had quit smoking weeks before, and always considered this my reward... a life changing experience... I can do anything!! (11/18/98)
December 31, 1984 - Universal Amphitheatre (Los Angeles, California)
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December 31, 1984 - Universal Amphitheatre (Los Angeles, California)
photo provided by Wendy Miller
This Page Created April 24, 1996 (Last Updated February 26, 2023)
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