I Am Your Child BMFC-Manilow Canada

Here are some stories from "His fans" of getting up close and personal with Mr. Dynamite!

I have just returned home from 6 days in the Manilow World. I attended all 4 UK shows which were magical, but that is another story.

The story I want to tell is about the show on the Sunday 6th December at the O2.

I attended the show with my husband, 2 sons and a friend. My friend was sitting in a fan club seat but the 4 of us were in front row. I bought front row to give my sons an experience they would never forget. My sons are aged 13 and 12 years old. They love Barry's music and were thrilled to go his show. They didn't know until they got there that they were in front row. They were so excited.

From the start they loved the show. They sang along to all Barry's songs, they stood most of the time, they waved their glow sticks like there was no tomorrow. They were yelling and screaming and really into the whole atmosphere of the show. My 12 year old even got me up at one point when I sat down. They were shouting Barry's name, clapping, singing and having a ball!! We were sitting directly in front of where Kye, Monica, Melanie and Keely stand and sing. They could see the boys clearly and were soon sending signals out to us that they were enjoying seeing them getting so into the show and the singing, it made them smile and we got signals such as thumbs up from Kye. Basically they had a ball.

When the show finished we were waiting for my friend to join us and for the crowd to leave before we did. I was singing along to 'Christmas is around the corner' when I saw a man talking to the boys. It took a second to realize it was Garry. He asked where their parents were and that Barry had seen them enjoying the show singing along to all his songs. They said they did and then Garry said that Barry asked if they would like to come back stage and meet him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They screeched with excitement and obviously we said Yes!

We were taken to the right side where other people were waiting for a meet and greet with Barry. Garry got us our back stage passes and we went as a group inside the curtains to wait. After a short while we were taken through the back stage of the O2 which was exciting in itself. The boys saw all of the crates of Barry's clothes and the band's wardrobe, asking lots of questions which we could only pretend to answer. We finally reached the meet and greet room which was set out beautifully with candles, low lighting, tastefully decorated, food and drink. The food was sushi which we know is Barry's favourite food. We had wine, the boys choose coca-cola.

I just have to stop and say that if you can imagine, I was in a land of disbelief!!!!!!!! I was taken along with the flow, I went into automatic pilot, I was about to meet Barry Manilow back stage at a personal invitation!!!!!!! My boys were beside themselves with excitement!! Even my husband was excited!! My friend, who isn't really a fan, was thinking 'what am I doing back stage about to meet Barry Manilow!!!!'?

My youngest son loved the food and kept going looking for more. About a dozen other people had come through for a meet and greet. We were standing relatively near the entrance behind a settee. Garry came over and introduced himself asking the boys about how they knew the words to the songs, they pointed to me and we laughed!! After about 10 minutes Barry came through the door.

He came straight to the boys smiling. He shook their hand and asked their name. He said he had seen them enjoying the show and asked how they knew the words to all the songs, again they pointed to me. Barry said you must be Mum and Dad and shook our hands. He was so relaxed with them, smiling and chatting.

Behind Barry were the 3 girls Monica, Melanie and Keely and Ron Walters. They said to them that they just had to come and meet them as they could see how they enjoyed the show and were really into the songs. Barry then said let's have a photograph, has anyone got a camera? Someone from his crew said he would take it and then Barry got us together for a photo, I can't remember who was in the first one but in the second one he got the girls in as well. He said they would e-mail them to me.

He then asked the boys if they were musical? My eldest son told him he was learning drums and my youngest he played the guitar and the saxophone. Barry and Ron were impressed! My youngest said 'Barry can I be in your band when I grow up?' Barry said 'Of course you can' and everyone laughed. Ron made a joke saying yes all the rest of us will be dead but Barry will still be going strong!!!!!

Barry thanked us for coming and told the boys how happy he was to meet them. They were thrilled!! Adam then showed us out and took my address for the photos.

What an experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My sons were absolutely beside themselves with joy. They have not stopped talking about it. They went into school the next day telling all their friends (who didn't even know they were going to the show) and all their teachers. They have played Barry's CD's non-stop since Sunday and they sing around the house! They really do know the words to all the songs.

I wanted to share with everyone this wonderful experience. Barry had noticed them and saw how much they were enjoying themselves. He made time for them and gave them an experience they will never forget. I am still in a land of disbelief that it really happened! I met Barry and saw a wonderfully relaxed side to him. It also showed to me how much he loves the fact that young people love his music and enjoy his shows. He has always promoted and encouraged young people to take up an instrument and enjoy music. Well he has just added to another 2 children and I know they will want to keep up their music practice after this. Barry's staff were also extremely friendly and relaxed and made the whole experience beautiful.

For anyone who reads this I would just like to add that this is a very good example of the kind of person Barry Manilow is. It is why I love the man and his music and always will.

And Barry , if you read this, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I know I will never be able to to thank you enough and my sons will never forget you.

My first ever live shows seeing Barry. This was a special trip to Vegas for many reasons. I booked a side stage seat for the 20th June, my second show. I had already seen the birthday show which was fantastic. My friends were rooting for me that night. I had already picked the dress I was going to wear, seeing Barry at a show was like going on a date! I was the first to arrive in my seat. The girl came and offered me champagne and I took one just to settle my nerves.
I met some lovely people in those seats, Debbie G. was sitting behind me. The group to my right were from the UK too so I got chatting to them. There were two men and I remember thinking my chance of a dance had just reduced from 1 in 8 to a 1 in 6 chance of being picked! The woman next to me was looking lovely, younger, blond and dressed beautifully. I had convinced myself from that point that he would pick her and I didn't stand a chance.

The show started and after a short while Barry got to 'Ready to Take a Chance Again' and I thought, this is it!! I remember him coming over and singing to the row. He started down my end (did I say I was sitting in BB6). He went up the row and I had stopped thinking about the dance and was just concentrating on him singing. Then he came and stood in front of me, bent across, opened the gate and put his hand out saying 'would you like to dance?' I thought OHHHH MYYYYYYY GODDDDDDDD it's me!. I just went into like an automatic pilot, got up, he took my hand and led me to the dance bit. I don't know what took over but I just danced with him. He had his arm around me and the microphone in his other hand. I was concentrating 150% on Barry and saw and heard nothing else. Afterwards my friends told me there was a lot of yelling and shouting from the audience, I didn't hear a thing, only the sound of Barry's voice!!!!
He asked me my name, where I was from and said something about having a wild time in the UK. He said some other things off microphone which is just between him and me. When he then folded his arms around me I was in heaven, it just felt sooooooooooo gooooooooood!!!! The pictures are the evidence of that!
It was over so quickly, I could have stayed there all night! Barry felt and smelt wonderful. I remember holding him very tight when I had my arms around him and I think he did the same. I just know I was very, veryyyyyyyy close!!!
When I returned to my seat with the help of Sacha, funny I remember the feel of him taking my hand and guiding me back, the first person I saw was Debbie and she grabbed my arm and I just clenched my fists saying 'Yesssssssss'. What an experience!!!! I don't think I will ever come down from the clouds after that, it was so special. I don't think Barry will ever know just how much that dance meant to me. I relive it every time I look at the pictures, just looking at his smiling face. Those pictures are priceless as you don't know what he is doing when you are with him so getting photos of him smiling over your shoulder WOW! WOW! WOW! and WOW!
Thank you to everyone who sent me pictures, they mean a great deal to the dance girl!

I count myself as a very lucky woman to have had this experience on my second show. I sort of feel that it was meant to be. It was a life changing experience particularly for someone my age!!

All I can say is 'Barry, thank you very much for more than you will ever know!'

My husband and I had a great time at Las Vegas and enjoyed Barry's 4 shows. Barry was just fabulous!!!! We noticed Barry wasn't well then but he did a great job each night!! Meet and Greet with Barry was wonderful.. he remembered me from the other night, My husband and I were seated at the front row. At the end of the show I wanted to shake Barry's hand so I hopped close up to the stage and reach out my hand, as Barry glanced over and he shook my hand. At the moment I lost my balance as Barry is still holding my hand to help me back on my balance as I stood on one foot ( I still had the cast on my left broken ankle/ foot). He nodded his head while singing away to makes sure I am okay. I nodded back to Barry and smiled to let him know I am okay. September 28th Platinum night as I walk in the greeting room to meet Barry, he just light up and said "WAS THAT YOU LAST NIGHT" I said very soft voice "YES". Barry was very concerned about my ankle and asked me how this happened and stuff. We exchanged conversation, Barry was so nice and very down to earth guy and it's worth waiting for 32 years to meet Barry!!!!

Hi Every one
Well Do I have a story to tell, My Trip to Vegas, I know it has taken a couple of week but just got a ne pc so It's been a while getting every thing sorted.

Well I had a great time, Had great seats too, On the Thursday 27th I was 4th row, OMG the eye contacted I had with Barry was just amazing, and he looked great a little thin but as Gorgoues as ever, the show was just wonderfull though so different to a concert, All Three night were the same apart from two songs that he change each night, I was so please that he started out with The old songs, then went on from the 40s right trough to the 7os, The songs he sang were, Old songs as I said, Singing with the bug Bands, Chattanooga choo,choo, Moon light serenade( that was beautifull, ) American Band stand, Venus and Love is a many slended thing, Yesterday, Cant take my eyes of you, What the world needs now, The way we were, It never rains and You've got a friend, Also Mandy, Cant smile with out you, I write the songs, Copa, It's a miracle, On the Thursday he sang Even Now and Weekend in new England, Friday I'm your child, Trying to get the feeling again, Saturday I made it through the rain with Grandpa Joe, I know I have miss some out so If anyone can spot what I have missed please tell me.

Well As I was saying I had 4th row on the thursday night and Frount row Friday and Saturday, Yes you could say that I was a Little pleased, I watch the Handhake at the end of the Thursday show And thought then Yes, but the Friday Came and no Hand shake, I was a little gutted, But Hey I had frount seat, But All that Change on the Saturday show, Not only did I get a Handhake at the end of the show, But While Barry was singing It' a miracle, That's when I got the Hand Shake, But When he got to The miracle is you, He
let go of my hand looked right in my Eyes And pointed at me as He sang The miracle IS YOU , At ThatMoment I was just stund, There were two other ladies from The USA, Who Also got a hand shake, Only 4 o  us did, O  my w  were jumping u  and dowm a  Though w  had won the Lottery, I  fact I think w  did coz I wouldnt  swop that moment for a millon pounds.

Manilove
Adele

My name is Vibeke, I´m from Denmark. I´ve been searching and searching and searching again for this site and suddenly today, IT POPPED UP on my computer, when I wrote "Iam yourchildBMFCCanda" in my Google searchmachine. Don´t ask me why. But AT LAST. Yes, I´ve got a BEAUTIFUL BARRY moment from the 17th of February this year. I was sitting in stage seat 7. BARRY was coming towards me, singing "Moonlight Serenade" wearing this gorgeous, white jacket. Remember, I´ve NEVER seen him LIVE.  I could have fallen down my chair and to the floor. I was struck by something, I can´t explain. He stood right IN FRONT OF ME. I just looked into these eyes and completely forgot, singing along, I completely forgot this full theater and the girls, sitting beside me. All I could do, was, smiling at him. I actually didn´t care, if he should pick me for  dance, just this moment, he stood there, singing. Then the hand, reaching out for the girl next to me. BARRY could have touched me. I knew, because the girl next to me, had told, that this was her first time EVER too, that this was soooo speciel to her too.  I just felt so thrilled and happy for her and I had huge tears in my eyes, when I saw her out there with BARRY. What a time of her life. Never did I think, it could be me. You don´t do that as a true BARRYfan. When BARRY escorted her back, he was so gentlemanish. I felt such a calmness and huge love all the time up there. It was pure love. If only this whole world could feel like this.   That man sends out signals, you can´t imagine. Of course you fans can, but I don´t think others can. I´ve said many times, I saw BARRY as President of the United States, no, that´s not all. I really saw BARRY as a representant of all people here on earth. He´s filled up with love towards his fellow human beings, all the animals,  all that has to do with humanity, music and passion, compassion, love, love and love. There´s not, I believe, one bad thought or bone, back in him. When or if BARRY cancel shows, that simply must hurt inside of him, but it can only be, because he simply HAS TO. I simply do believe BARRY IS A HUMAN ANGEL HERE ON EARTH. MANILOVE VIBEKE

My moment with Barry that I'll never forget was at the HMV signing in London In December, After queing for 24hours in the cold and rain, My dream came true, Once we were aloud in the store we still had a while to wait, and as they played the 50s and 60s cd we all just sung along, The excitement and every thing was just amazing, They then cut out the 50s cd and just played the 60s over and over, We were then told what we could and couldn’t do, So I had to behave myself:-):-), Well then we were told we had to really sing up loud, louder, LOUDER, we were told, Then there was Barry in his Black trousers and beige Jacket, I just couldn’t believe and at any point now I was going to meet this man. He first met the Disabled fans, then went off for a few moments, then when he came back, He just looked amazing, My Camera just went on over drive, then it was my friends turn, I was standing next to Mark just waiting for my turn, I had every thing that I wanted to say to him in my head, I could feel my legs go weak at the knees, I had waited 25years for this moment, Then it was My turn, As I walked up to the Table Mark said Barry this is Adele, then when Barry said Hi Adele, I could have just gone to the floor, He took my hand in his, as though he was welcoming me into his space, He was just so down to earth, As I said I had everything in my head that I wanted to say, But The moment I looked into those Eyes, it just went, I swear I've never seen a pare of eyes quite like Barry's they just took hold of you, you just couldn’t take your eyes of them, So I said Hi Barry, Can I first tell you how much I love you and how much your music has moved me. I have longed to have said those words to Him, He Just looked at me and smile he then said Ah Thanks and I love you to, He then asked me how long I had been waiting, When I told 24hrs he just couldn’t believe it, He then said Ah your just amazing, I then told him No Barry Your Amazing, I just love you so much, He Then said again, Thanks I love you to, And thanks for coming, I said Barry I wouldn’t have missed this moment for anything. Then I just found my self repeating myself to him saying how much I loved him, we had that eye to eye contacted all the time, He just made me feel that I was the only persen in that room, I just couldn’t get over his eyes, He then shooked my hand again, and again he said thanks for coming. I just said Barry your  welcome I just had to meet you. And that was it, I had to go up the escalators, As I got to the top, I just stood there and shouted I'VE JUST MET BARRY MANILOW, as though I had to make it sink in at what I had just done, I was with my friends and we were all just crying with joy. That day was just the most amazing moment in my live, I've been told that once you meet Barry Manilow you feel different, I couldnt work out what they ment, Oh But Now I do, Barry made me feel special that day, I feel the luckiest women in the world, And I just hope that every single Bary fan gets to feel how I felt that day.

Okay, this isn't really a moment with Barry himself. Hey, I'm only 13. How much experience  can I have. But is it okay if I share my moment with Kye, the back-up singer? Okay, cool.

So my dad and I were in this restaraunt in the Hilton and we saw Kye and a bunch of other dudes from the show (I recognized them from the M&P DVD) walk into the restaraunt after we left. I was like, "DAD! THAT'S A BACK-UP SINGER!!!!" So we waited around outside the restaraunt for him to come out. I just wanted to say
hi!!

So I had to go to the bathroom and left my dad hanging for a minue or two. On the way back, I saw Kye heading for the theatre back entrance. I said "Hi, you're Kye, right?" He goes "Oh, yeah." I said hi and that i recognized him from the DVD and he asked where I was from. I told him (Lebanon, OH) and he said he
was in Cincinnati (about an hour from my house) and that it was vey cold there. I couldn't agree more.

Then he said he had to go and asked where are seats were. I told him up in the balcony (too far away from Barry). I told him to say hey to Barry from me. He said great, nice to met you. And walked away.

If I was smart I should have asked how I could get back there to meet Barry........................

I met Barry in London in December 2006. We travelled overnight to get there so that we could be in the queue nice and early. The weather was terrible and we queued for four hours outside in pouring rain. When we got inside it was another three hours before it was my turn to meet him. He shook my hand and said "Hi". I told him I'd waited 23 years to meet him since I first saw him at Blenheim in 1983 and he said, "Was that so long ago?" and he said how much he'd enjoyed doing it. He asked me if I went to the last Blenheim concert and I said that I had. I told him I'd been to Vegas in 2005 and that I had been disappointed when the show I was going to in 2006 had been cancelled. He apologised for that but told me that he was very well now. I thanked him for doing the signing and he thanked me for going and that was it, my two minutes with Barry were over. I will treasure that day forever and look forward to doing platinum next year if he is still doing them.

I'd like to tell my story of meeting Barry in Washington DC in October of 2004. My husband had bought me a surprise Platinum ticket which I did not know until I saw my name on a seat.The show was great that night with the flag and the streamers coming down. We were told to stay in our seats after the show.

When it came my turn to see Barry, I was just a little uneasy....then he called "come in Sandy"...and I went to him as if he was a long lost cousin and he gave me the greatest hug in the world. We talked about where I came from which was the same place that he came from, only different Hospitals. Talked about all the shows I had seen and all the many, many years of listening to him sing....we made some small talk and I got a kiss and it was over forhim, but not for me. The memories will always be with me.

I have a story about BARRY. I entered a competion on my local radio station, the daily comp was you had to listen to a Barry track played slow and backwards. There was a winner, every day and we all went into the Friday draw. Well what can I say? There was 5 people in the draw and I WON. MY PRIZE WAS TO MEET BARRY BACKSTAGE BEFORE HE WENT ON TO DO THE VERY LAST SHOW AT THE M. E. N. Arena .So I decided to get Barry something special as it was his 30 years anniversary, so I got him a lovely pair of pearl cufflinks and put some bits and pieces together in a bag. I will never know if he got my gift as I had to give it to a secruity guard. Anyway my claim to fame was 2 minutes with the great man before he went on stage. I had my photo took with him and wished him good look and to look after himself. The show was out of this world and I will never forget my Barry moment.