His biggest hits include classic songs such as I Write The Songs, Could It Be Magic, and Copacabana - and 25 years ago, Barry Manilow brought his own brand of American pop sophistication to a packed Newcastle Arena.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1943, the singer-songwriter’s career has spanned six decades and he’s sold more than 80 million records. Working early on as a musical arranger for the likes of Bette Midler, Manilow’s breakthrough UK hit, Mandy, reached number 11 in 1975.
On January 27, 1998, the 54-year-old found himself performing on Tyneside. Our Chronicle reviewer at the Arena noted how the audience was made up of people who were "largely female and largely 40-plus".
