Platinum Moments
Vibeke Tove Nielsen does Platinum
Hi all on the Canadian site I am your child. I had booked my Platinum the 5th of September and on 6.45, I was going down to the theater with very high expetations. I was standing outside the theater with some other girls and we were waiting to go in. Then we went backstage and down some stairs into a room where we had champagne or water. We were told that BARRY waited in the next room and that we just should act natural. I was number 3 to go in and I didnīt feel that nervous until I was standing just outside the door. Then something inside me told me what I was doing and who I was about to meet. I could feel my knees and legs trembling and I had to take a deep, deep breath. Then the door opened and another girl came out and I was allowed to go in. I could see 3 person and BARRY, sitting on a stool and I could hear him asking them how he pronounced my name. I guess he wanted to greet me when I came in because I came in saying, "Hello BARRY" just as I was meeting a dear friend. but his people didnīt know how to say my name so he asked me of course. I told him that it was difficult so he could try saying VI as in vibrations, BEE as in a bee and KEY. Then BARRY said it so sweetly. After that he of course asked me where I was from and then he got his next shock when I told him I was from Denmark. "Denmark" he said: "Have I ever been in Denmark" he asked. He didnīt ask me but his people again. They didnīt know but I again told him that actually he had been in Denmark. "Really when". I then answered him that he had been there in the 70īs. Now I know it was in 1983 so it wasnīt really right. BARRY actually said that he had to look into his files to see when. Then BARRY asked me how his music was selling and how many danish people did know him except from me, in Denmark. I smiled but had to tell him that not many people knew him and that you actually couldnīt hear his music in Denmark and you couldnīt see his shows or see any videos with him. He of course didnīt like hearing that. BARRY had that comment to that and a very firm one. "WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT". Then he said to me directly that maybe he should jump on a plane to Denmark. I actually couldnīt help smiling saying to him that that was the greatest idea Iīve ever heard. At some point I put my hand on his shoulder and he didnīt seem to mind at all.
Joanne Solanki
I had booked my platinum for my very last night in Vegas the 27th June. It was Barry's last show before taking a break and I was flying back to the UK the following day. It was the only date I could get but I thought that it would be a good one as I would have seen all the shows and done other things and would be more relaxed!!! How Wrong I Was!!!!!!!!!!
I had just pottered around that day, packing and generally chilling out. I decided not to go to the pool in case I looked like a lobster in the photos. I had arranged to meet a couple of others down by the entrance. I started to get ready at 4pm, thought I would just take things slowly, not panic and get myself in a twist! I had already chosen my dress for this months ago! Getting ready went like a dream, no mishaps, no mistakes and I felt good, even my hair sort of behaved itself! I left dead on 6.30pm and went down to the theatre entrance, I was beginning to feel just a bit nervous but not too bad.I met Julie and Lisa there but I didn't talk much! At this point I should have known that actually I was very nervous, I usually talk a lot!!!!!!!!!
We waited and waited, the queue was getting longer but eventually Sue and Chris from Stilletto came out and spoke to all of us. I didn't even notice the others at this point, another sign I was more nervous than I thought!!!!! We were given our tickets and had to put on the red badge which would say we were bonafide guests for going back stage. We followed Sue and Chris through the theatre, up the right side and through the back of where the stage seats were. I remember thinking that it wasn't very glamorous back here! We were taken to the green room, past some workrooms. This room was set out lovely to try and make us feel at ease. We were offered either water or champagne, I took champagne! Sue explained what would happen and gave us the do's and dont's. She explained that Barry already had his stage make up on so don't be planting any red lipstick sloppy kisses on his cheek. I tried to stay calm or so I thought! I walked around the room trying to take in what was on the walls and also listening to the others talking. We all took photographs of each other and Sue gave us the running order, I was last!!!!!!!!!!! Not sure I liked that as I felt that by that time time would be running out and Barry had a show to do. We actually didn't start going in until 7.45pm We were taken one by one by Sue with the next person waiting by the door. The security guy, I think his name was Lewis, was always by the door. Anyone who needed the loo was escorted by him and escorted back! Gradually everyone came back clutching their pictures. I didn't take much notice of what people were saying, another sure sign of my nerves, which by the way I was not taking any notice of, thinking that I was perfectly calm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My turn came, I waited by the door and Lewis said 'You look very nervous!' I said I felt fine, how wrong I was! Sue came and got me and I waited outside the room, just at the bottom of the stairs. I heard some noise from inside the room and I knew Dawn from the UK was in there. I really didn't know what was being said. CJ was also there and made some funny comment about being born in the UK and his wife coming from Manchester, was this supposed to put me at ease? When Dawn came out I waited a few seconds and then went in. I walked up the few steps and round a corner and there he was! He looked just like he does on stage (of course he did, he had his make up and stage clothes on!). He asked my name, where I was from and what I did. I think I floored him a little saying what my job was, not sure he had ever heard of it before, his face sort of looked like OH!!!! He asked if I had seen any shows in the UK, I said I hadn't which he was surprised at and talked about those shows being different and wilder than the ones in Vegas. I said something about can't wait until December. He asked what shows I had seen in Vegas and when I said I had been here for 2 weeks and seen all of them, he looked at me and said 'I thought I recognised you!' Well I had been on the front row every night!!!!!!!!!! He pulled me to him very gently and before I knew it the photo was taken and he was signing the programme book. He asked 'What was the weather like in Britain at the moment?' I said it was cold and cloudy and he commented that it was always bloody cold when he came to the UK. I said that it would be even colder in December! Then it was over, I just couldn't get out what I wanted to say! He thanked me for coming and we looked at each other for an awkward moment and then he gave me a hug. I remember thanking him and then being led away. I did look back to say thank-you and then concentrated on getting back to the room. Everyone was rushing as they wanted to get us up to the theatre for the show. I didn't speak to anyone. I remember on the way back seeing a woman sewing something in one of the workrooms, there was more going on now than when we first came in. It still didn't look very glamorous!
I have given you this detail as you can see there were plenty of opportunities to talk about things which I never took. I must be the only person who came to platinum and talked to Barry Manilow about the British weather, I know we are obsessed by the weather but did I have to choose that time to talk about it!!!!!!!!!!! I also was very conscious of the others in the room. There was Marc, CJ, Sacha and Chris taking the photos with the disposable camera.
Julie told me later that when she came back to the room I looked as white as a ghost and really scared! I think when I went into that room with Barry he saw a frightened rabbit in spotlights before him probably wondering if I would last and not pass out!!!!!!!!!! And there was me thinking I was as cool as a cucumber!!!! I could have and still could kick myself for not just being myself.
It was a wonderful experience and Barry was very kind and gentle. The official photo is quite good, Barry looks fabulous! I just wish I could have said the two things I wanted to say to him but maybe I'll save that for another time, and believe me there will be another time. I am just thrilled that I got to meet the man who has meant so much to me over the years and especially during these past 6 years through some hard times. He is a lovely sweet, kind and gentle man and his human touch comes through just by saying hello. I was just left with the wish that I could talk to this man as a friend over dinner one evening and just get to know him and let him get to know me, an ordinary working woman with a family and life on which he has such an impact. Maybe next time I will get past Barry Manilow the performer and talk to Barry Manilow the man.
Delese Moten-May 30, 2008
Well, I am barely back out of the clouds, but I do have to
go to work tomorrow so I might as well come down.
Friday was a day of nerves, somewhat anyway. We tried to keep busy and
even took 3 card poker lessons. The lady that taught the lessons was
hilarious and really kept or minds off of what was happening later. She
kept us busy for about an hour.
Getting dressed, I started to get nervous, but I made it through.
Finally, down at the door, they gave us the VIP stickers to go backstage.
In the Green Room, we were sitting around. Chris asked if this was our
first Platinum, it was except for a couple in there. He said no wonder
it is so quiet.
Vicki was there and kept telling us to not be nervous and talk to Barry like he
is an old friend. Im thinking yeh right. One of the ladies that
we met up with earlier during the day found out she was first. So she
took her place on deck, in a minute she was whisked away.
I was 5th, standing at the door, Vicki told me to take a deep breath. She
said to not make any attempts to hug or kiss him, there has been overzealous fans
lately - so they ask that we dont do it. She said if he initiates it,
then fine, bu
Anyway, I went in, and there he stood. He reached out and took my hand in
both of his and said my name. I was freaking out inside but I think I was
doing good at faking it, I am sure that he felt me shaking though. He
asked how to spell my name, then told me that it was beautiful. At that
point, I was lucky that I remembered my name, let alone that I remembered how
to spell it. I, a
He started the conversation, and asked where I was from, then told me about the
other venues in
He looks directly at you, and even though I know Chris was all around the room
taking pictures (because I saw the flashes going off), it fel
I told him the funny story of how I started listening to his music, and he
laughed. I jus
He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him that I worked with
disadvantaged youth between the ages of 16-24. And, I told him about the
program a little.
By this time, we were really close (I only remember that from seeing the candid
shots that Chris took). He reached and put his arm around me and said
come here honey and we took the picture. I cannot go on about how tall
he was because we were eye to eye. LOL
He signed the program and handed it to me. He told me thank you and it
was nice to meet me. And, then he pulled me into a hug. It was a
very nice one too, strong but not rib breaking. But it is very strong,
and very memorable.
It was over
but the memory will be there always. Everyone was saying how
fast they felt theirs went, but I think that I got a lot of interaction with
him, we talked about a few things and actually had a conversation because Id
say something and hed ask me some things.
I did have two things that I wanted to ask him, but even though I didnt get a
chance, it is not a bad thing to me because I think out conversation as good
and seemed to flow naturally.
There were three of us that took the elevator because of their legs and my
back. So one of the security guys took us down past the dressing rooms to
the elevator. We were escorted to the elevator following my time with
Barry so that we would not get mixed in with the traffic going to the
stage. We actually came out of the backstage on the Rock Bottom side of
the stage since that is where the elevator is located.
The security guards, yes even CJ, were all so nice. I know during the
show they appear to be these big, burly guys, but all during the evening and
while they were escorting us around - were the nicest people and kept saying
dont be nervous, just breathe. On our way up the elevator, the one
that escorted us said do you feel better now? It wasnt that bad was
it?
The rest of the ladies made it out, then it was another 20 minutes before the
show started. We were starting to think that we wore him out or
something. LOL
It was a nice memory and one that I will truly never forget.
Tammy Martorana Dances with Barry and does Platinum
I have a Barry Moment. Since Barry has been in Vegas, my vacations are planned around his show schedule. Imagine that! This past June-July, 2007, I went to Vegas for a week. And what a week it was. You see, initially I was scheduled to go see him the September before, but because of his surgery, the shows were cancelled. So being very Barry deprived, I just had to "See the Show Again." So I land at Vegas Airport on Sunday and I'm rairing to go. I have purchased tickets to Barry every night that he is performing, Tuesday through Saturday.
I get to Tuesday and I'm sooo excited. Of course the atmosphere is amazing, just walking into the theater and talking with fellow fans/friends whom I have met. The performances were awesome every night. Each night pretty much the same show with a couple variations, but great nontheless. The crowd was great and into him every night and each night just got better.
The highlight of my week started Thursday night. My seat was stage right seat 7, the perfect view. Barry is doing a wonderful job, his voice is crisp and clear and even got emotional a few times. So Barry starts out wonderful and full of energy, his show just like every other night. He comes to the decade part of his show and begins to sing "Singing With The Big Bands" and so on. He then comes to, yep, you guessed it, "Moonlight Serenade". When the music began my heart started beating and I all of a sudden became extremely nervous. Even though there were no guarantees, I still felt like a little school girl all over again. Barry starts singing and doing his usual act and comes over to the right side and looking, eyeing all of us giddy ladies who I am sure all looked pathetic, but at that point I was unbelievably cool, calm and collected. He is singing and swaying and his beautiful blue eyes make contact with mine. Meanwhile I am just enjoying myself and singing along with him. We make eye contact, and now I KNOW. He sings to me for what seems like forever and then asks if I would like to dance. So of course I say yes. He takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor. We begin to dance to the music and at that point as far as I was concerned, it was only Barry and I in the room. So we dance and then he asks my name, where I'm from and why I am there? So we talk for a second and then we dance some more. So our danc ecomes to and end and he thanks me and helps me back to my seat. When I get back to my seat is when I finally get all jittery. While I was with Barry, I was very calm and just taking in every minute. A dream come true!!
The next night, is Friday night, and yep, you guessed right again, I am doing Platinum! What another wonderful experience! When it is finally our turn to go in and see him, I did just as the ladies said. I went over to him and acted as if he and I were good friends and just started talking to him. It was very rushed but we had a great time. He remembered me from the night before, which was nice. We had our pictures taken and said our goodbyes with a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. We were then escorted to our seats for a wonderful performance. Again he was amazing and each night just got better and better, with more enthusiasm and more emotion in ever song. He was so astounded that there were people who actually came to more than one show a week.
There is so much more to that week but those were the BIG highlights for me. I am so blessed to have had the opportunities that I had that week and will always remember what my feelings were, what we said, wore, did, how it felt to be so close and personal (in his arms at times) with a true hero of mine and I have the pictures to prove it.
Thanks Barry for a WONDERFUL week, "The Vacation of a Lifetime."
Pauline Culbert Meets Barry after 32 years
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!!!!