When you try and think of someone who is a consummate and charismatic showman you truly need to look no further than Barry Manilow.
Six years after he last graced the stage at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, the man who had given us so many classic songs over the years, was finally back on Geordie soil, albeit significantly delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Barry himself was struck down by Covid not so long ago but showed no signs of any lingering illness as he delighted his captive audience from the get-go on Wednesday night.
Starting with fan favourite It’s A Miracle, Barry was quickly into his stride, pulling out one of his calling cards early doors in the shape of Can’t Smile Without You, which sparked a mass sing-along.
While Barry is now 79-years-old, he still has a magical glint in his eye and a youthful vigour that comes through in his performance with real exuberance.
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And, as well as being commanding all the attention with his performance, Barry warmed hearts with a story about how his grandad got him into singing from a young age, before poignantly dedicating Song for You in his memory. Another note perfect number from the opening part of the show came courtesy of Even Now, which saw Barry go through the octaves with effortless ease.
One of the highlights of his set, preceded by a stylish and sax-drenched support set from Curtis Stigers, was a medley of his more recent single and unlikely TikTok smash Dancing in the Aisles, delivered alongside fool-proof crowd pleasers Dancing in the Streets and Let’s Hold On.
From then on in it was anthem after anthem after anthem. Could it be Magic proved its pop pedigree yet again, with one of Barry’s finest ballads I Made It Through the Rain following it as the man of the hour showcased the versatility and talent that has led to him having such a long lasting and illustrious career.
The hairs on the back of your neck can’t fail to stand up at the way Barry delivers I Write The Songs; as far as anthemic ballads go, it’s up there with the best.
In complete contrast to that track, but just as emphatic in the reaction it ALWAYS receives, Copacabana was a feather laden fabulous affair, which saw the already well hyped crowd, dancing like they were at a Rio carnival.
The security at the arena definitely earned their wages as some of the over zealous ‘Fanilows’ kept trying to get closer to their idol the whole way through the gig.
Many fans might have assumed that Copacabana would be the last song of the night, but instead that honour went to Let Freedom Ring, which saw Barry flanked by a local gospel choir, the American flag and, in a heartfelt gesture, and an apt one given the political inspiration behind the lyrics, the Ukrainian colours as well.
He might be close to being an Octogenarian but Barry’s vocals are as impressive as ever and his stage presence and passion for his craft are still totally top notch.
Wednesday was the night Las Vegas came to Newcastle and, in Barry, his fans hit the jackpot with the main attraction.
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