When Barry Manilow concluded his seven years of headlining in Las Vegas after his final show at the Paris Hotel and Casino last December 11th, we all felt distinct sadness, wondering when we’d get to see his show again (okay I’ll admit I’m selfish and wanted him to stay put, but realizing he was happy and ready to pursue new ventures, I got over it).
Little by little, upcoming shows around the country - and the UK - were announced. Fans were thrilled - some of whom haven’t seen him in a very long time - to hear Barry would be bringing his show to them for a change.
Amidst all of this, Barry shared the unhappy news that the morning after he left Vegas, he’d be undergoing surgery to repair damaged bursas and ripped abductor muscles in both his hips. His recovery was expected to take six weeks, his plan was to begin some traveling with shows in Chicago and New York earlier this month. But as we know, life has a way of making other plans. To roughly repeat what Barry said himself, the shows were prepared, but as diligently as he tried to make them happen on schedule, his hips just weren’t ready.
I can imagine how those who were to see him perform felt. But truly my heart goes to Barry, who being the consummate professional and caring person he is, not only feels sorrow in disappointing his fans, but at the same time must go through his own disappointment, horrific pain and grueling rehabilitation.
I ache for anyone’s suffering, when I care about the person it’s far more difficult to accept, when the person is filled with so much vibrancy, it’s a triple threat. But sadly, that’s part of life and the reality is every being alive must go through it at one time or other.
Hearing of the hell-of-a recovery Barry’s been struggling with since the surgery, some details of which he’s shared on his Facebook page, it goes without saying, I’ve been concerned about him and send continuous good vibes and prayers his way for a complete recovery, that will render him pain free and happy as he gets back to all that brings him joy. To that end, if Barry had to hit a road-block of humanness, I’m grateful it was this one. Please understand, I don’t in any way mean to minimize the pain he’s in. If Barry reads this, he might well say let me tear your hips apart and then see how grateful you are! What I’m saying is, if there’s a silver lining in any of this, first and foremost I thank God it’s not life-threatening. I’m also thankful it’s not a crisis of his throat, lungs, shoulder, hands; all of which might have taken his ability to create and share what’s been his life-long passion; music!
It’s easy for us to say, with all good intention, take it easy, don’t rush yourself, give it a month, six months, a year, we’ll be here waiting. But when you’re the one living it, you just want to get back to where you were and depending on personality, following orders is often easier said than done (I’ve got the scars from ripped stitches proving that one). We might also forget, Barry is more than an iconic superstar. He’s a real live person with a life to get back to, which being on stage is only a part of.
Speaking of the stage….Honest to God, if Barry wants to slow the pace down for awhile - or forever - I’d be delighted, this side of giddy and content - and I know there are many others who would be too - to see Barry sharing his phenomenal gift of talent, by sitting at the piano, playing and singing. Some have been fortunate to attend shows where he did just that, and they’ve never stopped talking about how wonderful those shows were.
Yes, it’s fun to see all that energy Barry brings when he dances and moves about the stage during his show. But it’s not the reason I’ve ever been there. it’s obvious much of the energy has nothing to do with what we see physically, as it comes from a place deep within his passion for the music. At the end of Barry’s performance, when the curtain drops, in reality what is it we remember most, what’s the feeling we take with us as we leave the theater, what created those feelings? I’ve never heard someone say, “wow watching that guy dance sure touched my emotions” or “I really want to see his show again, that dueling piano segment gave me goosebumps”. “What about those dances from Bandstand, man I want to see that funky chicken again” Nope that’s not it. Everybody leaves talking about the music, Barry’s voice and the powerful emotion he puts into every song. That’s what makes the “whole world sing” or in this case feel!
Think of why Mandy, Weekend in New England, Could It Be Magic, just to name a few, are so powerful. It’s his voice and the passion he puts forth that makes us collectively hold our breath and, here’s that word again, feel!. And then there are those poignant songs he’s performed center stage, sitting on a stool in the touching ambiance of just one spotlight; River and Sandra come to mind, I know there are many more. In fact my absolute favorite rendition of Copacabana is the sultry, smooth and yes sexy acoustic version, where it’s just Barry and a minimal amount of musicians behind him. I was ecstatic to be at the George Lopez taping last year, and have the rare opportunity to see Barry do it this way again, for an on-line video. I left saying I so wish he’d perform it that way at his shows.
One of the things that sets Barry Manilow in a class by himself, above and beyond other performers is that he doesn’t need bells, whistles, strobe lights and a stage filled with motion to capture and hold the audiences attention. All he needs to keep us coming back for more, he has with him every moment of the day; the music that comes from his heart and soul. He can wear white tie and tails or jeans and a pull over. He can dance about the stage or just peacefully be. It really doesn’t matter, because at the end of the day, it truly is all about the music, the way Barry delivers it and the feelings it evokes. And as long as Barry chooses to bring us just that, the world, my world, really is a better place.
Sending Barry tons more good vibes to be back to feeling great soon… when we get that news, he’ll again be giving us the gift of feeling, this time in the form of abounding happiness… for him!
janetfauret
I hope Barry does read this beautiful piece since the message is one all his fans would like to send him. As sorry as we are to have to wait to see him perform, we are even sorrier to know that he ‘s going through such a difficult time.And of course, Helen is so right, it’s the songs we all want to hear
(although I have to admit I have a weakness for the funky dances!!) Just kidding! Loving thoughts and positive vibes to Barry. Come back when you’re ready. We’ll all be waiting for you and a cheer will go up from Hong Kong to Brazil!!!