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UK DVD debut for American legend.
When weedy Grammy-winning Barry Alan Pincus, aka Barry Manilow, took to the stage at the open-air Greek Theatre Los Angeles in 1979, aged 32, he was probably at his commercial peak, with hits like Mandy, Can’t Smile Without You, Somewhere In The Night / Copacabana and Could it Be Magic behind him.
Much of the two acts draw on his up-to-then platinum albums Trying To Get That Feeling (1975) and This One’s For You (1976).
The flamboyant artist was a reluctant superstar in truth. He much preferred being behind the scenes, but his life changed forever with hit single Mandy (UK #11 1975).
For two straight weeks he performed at the Greek in front of a staggering 72,000 fans.
Original broadcasters HBO were ultra-keen to make an impression on the music business, so they produced their first two hour special called Manilow: Live At The Greek Theatre, as part of their Standing Room Only series, which, apparently, became the first cable special to challenge the major US networks, unheard of at the time.
The show caught Manilow nearing the end of the ‘Even Now’ concert tour so he was well and truly on a roll this night.
Fans resorted to sitting in the trees near the venue; such was the demand and pulling power.
Back then, Manilow dazzled his loyal fanbase at a time when Punk had broken the States.
His appeal was also based on some fantastic piano playing (he’s a big fan of classical music) and his entertainment skills.
After the razzamatazz intro he emerges in a blue flared suit, launching into Here We Go Again, a fitting start considering the effective lengthy residency at the Greek.
His stage presence is instant – warm, engaging and often tongue-in-check as he visually questions the choice of sparkly waistcoat.
His stage movement is often clumsy and uncomfortable, even to this day.
Four songs in, “the hopeless romantic” hits the first ballad of the set – Even Now. He chuckles when finished, “Some of these ballads are better than group therapy”.
We’re yet to see him tackling the white piano.
Then, fans are treated to a great five song medley, or as he called it a “musical montage”, where he tries his best at being a song and dance man, with little success, though it’s a storming medley. The crowd love it, as they do with the remaining set, where he actually tinkles the piano.
Act 2 builds slowly with three intimate ballads at the piano again, dressed casually in sweatshirt and jeans, playing at the ‘Dew Drop Inn’.
When he gets to Copacabana (At The Copa) the show takes flight.
Singers cum dancers Lady Flash emerge and he returns in that now infamous silver ruffled jacket.
In the run-in, with the crowd on their feet, it’s a hits fest, with stirring renditions of the brilliant Could It Be Magic, Mandy and I Write The Songs, finally showing us his impeccable playing skills, before hitting a storming finale.
The verdict – A class act.
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DVD: 
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
