Well the day finally arrived, after the cancelled shows in August when my daughter Joanne and I arrived back in Vegas for 3 nights of Music and Passion and Platinum in December 2006.

All day on the Friday I felt very nervous, didn't eat or drink anything as I felt so sick, when the time finally got to 6.45 we went over to the theatre where we met up with 8 other ladies.

Everyone seemed very calm,  I think I was the most nervous. After a little while Kristen and Tammy came out and gave us our back stage passes. We followed them to the back of the stage and all went into the green room where she explained what was going to happen and and she gave us all a glass of champagne. She made you feel so at ease that my nerves disappeared and we all chatted and took photographs.

We were fourth on the list to meet Barry and as we were called we had to climb some stairs with Tammy. It was then that I heard his voice,  I just froze. In no time at all it was our turn and  I didn't think I was going to be able to walk in but Kirsten grabbed my hand and said just breathe.

When we walked in he Barry his back to us, we were introduced and Barry turned round and said 'hello' and shook my hand, my daughter who wasn't at all nervous said 'Hi' give us a hug which he did for the first 30 seconds I just froze like I had been turned to stone and Jo chatted away to him. It was then I snapped out of it and started chatting, I couldn't believe I was standing in a room talking to Barry Manilow. We all chatted for a couple of minutes and then they took the photos one of the 3 of us and then one each of us on our own with  Barry.

I was unaware of anyone else in the room ,but apparently there were quite a few people there. It was time to say goodbye he asked when we were going home and we said tomorrow and he said he was too, he was just so lovely, he hugged us both and gave us a kiss and shouted 'Happy New Year'.

We then were given our cameras and taken back to the green room while the other ladies went in and before we knew it Kirsten was taking us to our seats for the show.

It was the most special night and I will never forget it ever, I look at my photos everyday and still cannot believe it happened.

By: Jackie Marron

                   Jackie Marron and Barry                                          Joanne Marron and Barry

Jackie, Barry and Joanne