Today Barry Manilow will perform the first of his final five shows on the stage of his theater at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Ironically when he bids goodbye to Vegas after his show on December 11th, it will be just four days shy of seven years since the Las Vegas Sun announced the musician extraordinaire would be taking his place as resident headliner at the Las Vegas Hilton in 2005!
In 2004, after performing sold-out concerts all over the world, for three decades, Barry Manilow was ready to give up planes, hotels and room service for a more stable life, stating “Touring is a young man’s game…”
He entitled his farewell world tour; “One Night Live! One Last Time”. The last show of that tour at The Pond in Anaheim California was taped and released on DVD “First and Farewell” which includes a tape of his rehearsal at Carroll’s Studio in New York City, created prior to embarking on his first tour in 1974.
But… giving up the road, didn’t mean Barry was ready to trade his passion for writing and performing the music he loves for a life of golf and tennis.
His long time friend, comedian David Brenner, tossed Barry the idea of doing a gig in Vegas. The idea came to fruition when Barry opened his show “Manilow Music and Passion” on February 24th, 2005 as resident headliner at the Las Vegas Hilton.
Barry wrote music and lyrics for a song “Here’s To Las Vegas” in homage to his new home away from home. He performed it live in celebration of his 100th show at the Las Vegas Hilton. I think it should be the city’s anthem!
Originally signed for a “24-week contract spreading over 2005 and continuing into 2006”. The show was such a resounding success, drawing die-hard and new fans from all over the world, Barry renewed his contract and made the Hilton’s stage his own until his final show in December 2009.
On March 6th, 2010. Barry moved to the Vegas strip, becoming resident headliner at the Paris Hotel and Casino under a one year contract. His phenomenal talent earned well deserved accolades for “Best Strip Headliner” and “Best Bang for your Buck”. His show was another huge success, and his contract was renewed through 2011. Currently he’s in the lead for “Best Concert (Long Run) and “Best Theater” in the 2011 Broadway World’s Las Vegas Awards.
Now, as this contract comes to a close there won’t be another renewal and it’s not for lack of fans, old and new, begging for more with close to every seat in the house filled at each show!
Hot on the heels of writing, producing, performing and then releasing under private label, his latest original “concept” album “15 Minutes”; Barry is ready to follow his heart and his unstoppable drive to do more, as he embarks on new ventures which includes performing for the fans and friends he hasn’t seen in a long time, in various venues, away from the bright lights of Vegas.
Over the years the Manilow show; its title, songs, choreography, montages, back-up singers and wardrobe has changed. But the one remarkable constant is Barry’s innate, unmatchable ability to connect with the audience. As he performs, each song fresh and crisp as the first time, with a voice that hasn’t wavered over the years, but rather has grown in power, depth, purity and emotion. He shows us why he’s been at the top for decades!
Through his genuine humility and elegant graciousness, he respects his audience and has never been nonchalant in what he does or how he does it. He has remained a gentleman who never takes a single person for granted and shows his undying gratitude often, with no reserve.
In spite of his phenomenal success, in many ways. he’s still that hopeful young man who in 1974, asked the audience to “wish him luck” as he headed into the uncharted waters of show business. The “musician” never planned to be a performer, a singer, a superstar. Just a regular guy with a passion to create music. Perhaps that’s the secret to his success and a lesson to be learned; fame came as a surprise. To be in the spotlight wasn’t his goal, it came as a reward for the talent he’s been blessed with and for Barry, the wonder has never worn off.
When Barry’s marquee at the Paris is taken down, it will signify someone of exceptional talent is missing from the line-up of entertainment that is Vegas!
Many performers have come and gone, there are legends who’ll never be forgotten and those just starting out who might make it big one day. But, there is only one Barry Manilow! A musician, a performer, a dynamo of talent, who needs nothing more than his powerful voice, ceaseless energy, and charismatic, endearing personality to keep the audience at the edge of their seats, wanting more, wishing the ninety-minutes wouldn’t come to a close so soon. He touches each and every person in a way that’s specific and memorable to them. How he does it, how he has the ability to make us feel, is truly a gift that can’t be duplicated. Perhaps it is the “magic of Manilow”!
Barry’s music hadn’t touched my life back when his remarkable Vegas stint began, but I’m grateful for all the wonderful shows I’ve attended since 2007 and very happy I ignored the naysayers who’d question why I’d go back so many times. They don’t get it, but I do and I’ve come to terms with reasoning, in the grand scheme of things, that’s all that really matters.
I and thousands of others wish Barry happiness, good health and fulfillment as he journey’s into new, exciting chapters of life. I hope the joy he brings to us, constantly returns to him in every fabulous way imaginable.
Barry, never wonder if you’ll be missed in Vegas; you will be without question.
But, no matter where you perform, we’ll always be there. Like I said, there’s only one Barry Manilow!
Isabella
Nice to know, too, that the marquee and stuff is going to be autioned off with all the proceeds going to the Manilow Music Project!!