Barry Manilow - Can't Smile Without You/Nineties (1990-1991)

Can't Smile Without You 1990-1991

February 8, 1990 - London Palladium (London, England)

photo provided by Lain Waymark

January 30, 1990 - London Palladium (London, England)
> Suzanne Togwell (Muswell Hill, London, England): Gala Nite at the London Palladium - Ten years have gone and I still can't believe it... (3/11/2000)
February 1, 1990 - London Palladium (London, England)
> Beverley Wagner (Ilford, Essex, England): What can I say about my experience? Let's start with "Oh my God" and "Wow"! I remember it as if it was yesterday as I'm sure many of you do who have been up there. My heart was pumping 19-to-the-dozen! How I managed to "sing" I'll never know. I, as many of you, have a video of the performance and have copied it onto another tape. That night there was a professional photographer in the house who found me and gave me his card. He sent me the proofs and I've got 8x10 copies on my walls. I also made it to the local papers. Since then my dad calls Barry "his son-in-law!" ...I wish! Lots of love to everyone!! (11/9/2001)
February 3, 1990 (matinee) - London Palladium (London, England)
> Diane Woodard (Alderholt, Dorset, England): My "big moment" happened at the very first matinee show that Barry had ever done in England. I went to the show wearing a bright yellow jumper and black skirt, and nearly died when Barry arrived on stage wearing his yellow jacket and black trousers. Was it the yellow jumper or my sign that said "Me Please" that attracted his attention? I didn't really care. All I knew is that this show turned out to be MY special one.
It was such a magic moment. Barry was wonderful and I really couldn't believe that it was ME up on stage with him. I kept shaking my head in disbelief. I particularly remembered the final big hug as I ran my fingers through the back of his hair!
I would love to relive the whole thing to relish every moment of it. So many people asked me how he smelt but I just can't remember! I had so many friends in the audience that took photos that I was being sent them for weeks after and ended up with over 90. I had one enlarged that I asked Barry to autograph at a record signing in London. He asked me if it was a scary moment and I told him "It was just a MOMENT!" (9/26/99)
February 7, 1990 - London Palladium (London, England)
> Dawn Hunt (Rochester, Kent, England): I remember going to work that day with everyone telling me to make a big banner and take it with me. They all knew that I was a fan and I had been talking about the concert for weeks. Some of them could not understand what a 23-year-old girl was doing going to one of Barry's concerts but I never took any notice.
When the moment arrives you never actually think that he is going to pick you do you. He said he wanted someone to sing a duet with him. Someone that really wanted to do this. Well, that person was me! The moment he said, "the girl in the black and white polka dots," my heart froze. I looked down just to make sure that he was talking about me. I had a purple polka dot top on but then he said it again, "yes you," and pointed to me. From that moment on there was no one in the Palladium except me and Barry.

He held my hand and told me not to be afraid. I was in heaven. I remember looking at him and thinking how lovely he looked in his indigo coloured suit. The moment seemed to last forever but it was still over too soon. I was surprised that any voice came out of me at all, and even more surprised when I started dancing along with him! Barry stopped singing and listened to me. The next thing he said was, "you're doing well!"
Then came the kiss at the piano, I could hear everyone screaming and the next thing I knew Barry took hold of my hand and placed in on his knee (Was I really doing this?). After we had finished singing he gave me a big hug, a kiss, and a wave goodbye. It still seems like yesterday.

The next day at work, they knew as soon as I walked in the door that I had been picked because of the smile on my face. I was lucky that The FT were there that night doing a review and I got another reminder of that brilliant evening (I even got a mention).
I did not have a camera with me that evening, but a few weeks later I received a couple of photographs through the post from a friend of a friend of a friend that had been there that evening. I would just like to thank Lain, who also had the chance to sing with Barry at the Palladium, for the wonderful photos. (12/8/2001)
February 8, 1990 - London Palladium (London, England)
> Lain Waymark (Kent, England): After joining in Christmas and New Year celebrations in Los Angeles at the Universal Amphitheatre for Barry's 1989/90 shows, it was back home to Britain. But Barry was due over to us shortly afterwards for a HUGE Concert Tour, so there was only more to look forward to, but little did I know then just how much.
Altogether I think I did about 25 shows over those few months and I can honestly say that it was the best time of my life. Great friends, tour parties and BARRY, and the best of all was having him play the London Palladium for two weeks, including Saturday matinees (Seeing Barry twice in one day - out of this world!).
Well, on THAT eventful Thursday evening I arrived at the theatre as usual - the weather was awful but I was well in time to get inside, get dry and put some make-up on, until two friends who I hadn't seen for a number of years saw me and called me over - catch up time!! Before we knew it, the Intro to the show had started and we just had time to rush to our seats - I was in heaven with 11th row centre. Well, what did it matter that my hair was a windswept and damped down with the rain or that I hadn't had time to put any make-up on, as Barry wasn't going to see me close enough to notice. Well, that's what I thought anyway.
So you can believe the shock when during that moment of walking up and down the stage, after looking in my direction twice but then moving on away both times, he came and picked ME - SCREAM!! My banner went up in the air, my camera (expensive Minolta) went on the floor, and I was gone, tramping on all those sweet friends feet in the front row (I'm still so sorry about that everyone) to get to the Man!
When he held out his hand to me - I just had to hug him. I was with Barry - he was holding my hand - he was talking to me - I was actually with Barry up there on stage, although I didn't care where I was. Actually from the time he picked me until I was back in my seat again, none of that mattered. I didn't care that thousands of people were watching me, in fact I had no real knowledge at that stage that there was anyone there but me and those beautiful blue eyes. It is so black up there. I remember seeing Debra when Barry pointed out "my band", but that really is all other than Barry himself. Friends said that they kept calling me to look towards their cameras, but I heard nothing but Barry - isn't that strange?
I don't think I could ever put into words how much those few moments meant to me - the way Barry gently held on to me to stop me from falling over, the gentle things he whispered to me when he felt me shaking, and the whole loving manner of that wonderful, wonderful man.
I want to thank you, Barry, for just being you and making me feel so special for those wonderful few moments - they will be with me forever, as will my love and admiration for you! (7/29/2000)
February 9, 1990 - London Palladium (London, England)
> Tracy Hurford-Fury (Hertfordshire, England): Talk about coincidence! I was there the night Lain from Kent got picked (we are good friends) and I remember running up to her that night in the intermission and rubbing up against her saying, "Let's hope some of your luck rubs off on me".
The day of the event was spooky to say the least. Mary from Glasgow (CSWY, April 14, 1993) was staying with me, along with my best friend Joanne. We read my star sign for the day and it said, "Today is the day your dreams come true" and things like "Tonight is the night". Well-spurred on by this we made my sign which was a bright day glow yellow with stars on it saying, "Please, it's my birthday" (Well, it was on the 11th of February but this was the nearest show I was going to).
Another strange thing was I had had a sign earlier in the week which had been stolen. All will be revealed...
We went to the show and we were in the 9th row on the left of the stage. My best friend Jo had a sign; so did our friend Lisa but neither of them put these up when it came to the big moment (they later told me they just both knew he was gonna pick me). I remember holding up the sign and jumping up and down like crazy.
On the video you can see the moment Barry sees me. All of a sudden he was calling out for the birthday girl and Jo and Lisa were screaming for all they were worth. Friends elsewhere were looking at another side of the audience as my other sign was being held up on the opposite side and they thought it was me. Anyway, I was in such a state I was trembling sooo badly. I tried to get out of the row I was in by going around the wrong way and the man himself had to direct me! Don't ask me how but I made it to the stage.
He took my hand and I just melted. I had to hug him so I did! ;-)
I don't remember too much as I went on automatic pilot! But I remember he said I was pretty and during the whole thing he kept stroking my hand and whispering in my ear things like, "You're doing great, keep going!" I do remember how hypnotic his eyes were and I could not pull away from them. They just shone out from his face. I know I had a real stupid grin on my face throughout the whole thing. I did get a bit brave and caressed his leg and knee while I was between his legs, to which he said, "Keep going, Tracy."
It was over too soon and I floated off the stage where I was met by my friends. I remember Mary grabbing me around the neck and swinging off of me, and on the video you can see Barry asking if I was okay. He did mention to the audience after that I gave good knee. :o)
It was a dream come true and to have had Lain picked the night before, and later Mary, was the icing on the cake. What can I say? "You the Man" Barry!! (1/18/2001)
February 10, 1990 (matinee) - London Palladium (London, England)
> Viv Johnson (Tamworth, England): I had a banner with a big smiley face on it saying Make me Smile - it worked. Barry picked me out of the audience for the matinee show. Looking back at the video Barry gave me I still get the same wonderful feeling. I can remember hearing my friend Lisa yelling from the balcony especially when I was between Barry's legs. I was like a rash all over him which he thought was so funny. How I wish I could do it all again! (4/27/2012)
February 25, 1990 - BIC (Bournemouth, England)
> Debbie Cotter (Sittingbourne, Kent, England): Wow, What a tour! I'm also a friend of Lain and of Tracy, and I sang (or should I say whispered as I can't sing) and Barry said, "Oh, you're whispering". Anyway I just couldn't take my eyes off his, they are SO blue and they just hold you. He was wearing a black and white striped jacket and looked gorgeous. I shall never forget how fantastic it was to have a dream come true. Thank you, Barry! (11/15/2002)
March 1, 1990 - Empire (Liverpool, Merseyside, England
> Ann Mooney (London, England): I had been waving for years for Barry to pick me (since 1983), and finally on a cold and rainy night in Liverpool he did and I could not believe it. I got up on stage and was really happy. He asked me my name and where I came from. When I said I was from London the audience who were a bit odd to say the least, boo'ed! I could not believe it and neither could Barry! It was my worst nightmare but Barry, being the professional that he is, was so nice he gave me a hug and told me it was just he and I, and that he would get me through it, which he did.
A couple of days later Barry did a record signing at Tower Records in London and when I finally got to him to sign the new CD, he asked how I was and if the video had come out and if I was okay (it obviously had been playing on his mind). I watched the video for weeks after and showed everyone who wanted to (or did not want to!) watch it. Thanks, Barry, for the opportunity and I hope everyone who [gets picked for] "CSWY" enjoys the few minutes. I know I did. (5/24/2002)
March 4, 1990 - Wembley Arena (London, United Kingdom)
> Christine Windridge (Tamworth, Staffs, UK): It was the last show of the tour in the UK. It was the most memorable night of my life, one I will never forget. I didn't have an embarassing moment but I was worried that, because my mouth went dry with nerves, my top lip would stick to my teeth. Now THAT would have been embarassing! So I had to keep licking my lips to make sure that didnt happen. But it all went smoothly and I will treasure the memory Forever And A Day. (7/10/2006)
April 17, 1990 - Osaka Festival Hall (Osaka, Japan)
> Satoko Nagasawa (Tokyo, Japan): Thank you, Barry!! (3/15/99, 4/9/99)
April 21, 1990 - Nagoya Civic Hall (Nagoya, Japan)
> Kaori Ishii (Tokyo, Japan): It was sooooooooo surprised and fun! And of course, I was sooooooooo happy! I thank Barry so much for picking me up. You know my dream has come true!! (10/14/98)
April 28, 1990 - NHK Hall (Tokyo, Japan)
> Yoko Nishimura (Kashiwa, Japan) (3/15/99)
May 12, 1990 - Resorts (Atlantic City, New Jersey)
> Debbie Meyer (West Orange, New Jersey): I had tried for a LONG time, and it was well worth the wait. So much fun! (5/4/98)
May 16, 1990 - Las Vegas Hilton (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Christy Levine (Topeka, Kansas): I still love my tape... And every new person (doesn't even have to be a friend) is subjected to watching it. Everybody loves it, but not as much as me... What a great way to keep a memory that was the best ever! The best (strangest) part about my experience is that somehow I talked my entire family - mom, dad, brother (who had to listen to me sing all through my high school years) - were at this particular show. It was the 10th time I had seen Barry in concert, and the first for all of them! Really a nice memory...Thanks Barry! (10/28/98)
May 17, 1990 - Las Vegas Hilton (early show) (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Carolyn Kemp (Sydney, Australia): This was my first trip to the States. During the early show this particular night Barry came down into the audience and sang with three different people. My friends pushed me and my chair into the aisle so Barry either had to ask me to sing or trip over me. He said "Do you want to sing?" I said "Yes". He said, "Well, stand up then", which I did. We shared a microphone and I got to sing about one third of the song with him. I guess I hope one day to be able to have a "proper" turn but, if not, then what I've had was wonderful anyway. I've been back to Vegas three more times since. The video camera wasn't used this particular show but I was given a few photos to help me remember.
May 17, 1990 - Las Vegas Hilton (early show) (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Mary Leigh Venyard (Independence, Missouri): I was with five of my girlfriends in Vegas. This was my first and only trip to Vegas. Barry did not do the normal show that night. He sort of went out in the audience and started singing with different ladies. This caused his crew to not make a tape that night. So of course I don't have a tape of this event. I was the last lady he sang with that evening, and Oh, what a memory that was for me! He will never know what he did for me that evening. He is a Angel! (3/18/2002)
May 17, 1990 - Las Vegas Hilton (late show) (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Carol Westrum (El Segundo, California)
May 18, 1990 - Las Vegas Hilton (early show) (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Mandy Sainsbury (London, England) (6/17/98)
May 19, 1990 - Las Vegas Hilton (late show) (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Bryn Broughton (Rialto, California): I call it "MY SEVEN MINUTES OF WONDERFUL". I was going to Vegas with my bowling team for our end of season "sweepers". The Friday before, I found out that the PR man at the bank I worked at was also going to Vegas. I confidently said to him, "Why don't you come see Barry Manilow at the Hilton, so you can see me sing?" Never did I imagine that it really was my turn (nor did I think he would go!).
I was wonderfully suprised that it was finally my turn. I had waited for soooo long. It is like a dream. In fact I don't remember much of being on stage! I do remember though, how EVERYONE in the Hilton that night knew me. I was called by name all through the hotel. Women in the restroom were in awe, and asking for all the details.
Upon returning to work on Monday, I found that the PR man had actually been there, along with my bowling team and another co-worker from a different office! I was so excited to share my experience with other people who had been there and could help share the story. The bank President even went out and bought a dozen VCR tapes and made copies for my friends and family! What a night to remember. I'm ready to go again! (10/12/97)
May 20, 1990 - Las Vegas Hilton (Las Vegas, Nevada)
> Michelle Ballon (Tampa, Florida): I feel so lucky to be the last "Can't Smile Girl" of that never-ending, yellow jacket, tour. I have loved this man since '76 and it was the first time I was "Up Close & Personal"... a dream come true! One look into those beautiful baby blues and the entire audience melted away. It was the BEST 3 minutes of my life!! I would like to thank everyone who took pictures of the sacred event and found a way to get them to me. I received OVER 100 photos in the mail, mostly from strangers. THANK YOU!! And to all those "Hopeful's" out there....He gives the BEST hugs!! (2/11/2000)

This Page Created April 24, 1996 (Last Updated May 5, 2012)

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