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7th October 2010
Tony and Grammy Award winner Barry Manilow will perform with The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at the 02 Arena in London, May 4-7. Manilow's Broadway credits include his Tony Award-winning Barry Manilow on Broadway and Barry Manilow at the Gershwin. He also contributed songs to Bette Midler's Clams on the Half Shell Revue and The Madwoman of Central Park West. In the West End, his music was featured in Barry Manilow's Copacabana - The Musical, which went on to tour the U.S., Australia and Asia. He currently performs a regular gig at Paris Las Vegas.
7th October 2010
Barry Manilow Brings New Orchestra Show To London At The 02 Arena 5/4-7 - Broadway World
Legendary showman Barry Manilow announces a unique musical extravaganza at the O2 Arena on May 4, 5, 6, and 7. He will be joined on stage for the first time ever by one of the most pre-eminent orchestras performing in the world today, The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The idea for the two to perform together was born through his sell-out headline performance at last year's prestigious Proms In The Park. The Independent said of this performance: "Barry Manilow is one of the giants of world show business." The Times concurs that: "Manilow's magic remains alive and thriving." He will be performing all of his most loved classics and excerpts from his new album "The Greatest Love Songs of All Time" at the O2.
Barry Manilow says: "I was honoured to be asked to perform at Proms in the Park last year, it was a huge thrill to have been a part of such an iconic British event. It will be a sheer joy to perform again for my British fans at the O2 Arena alongside one of the best orchestras in the world, but this time the show will even bigger and even better and I'm planning to blow the roof off of the arena!"
Tickets go on-sale Friday 8th October from:
- The O2 Arena: 0844 856 0202 / www.theo2.co.uk
- The National Credit Card Hotline: 0844 888 9991 / www.ticketline.co.uk
BMIFC Member tickets are available now by calling 001.310.957.5788 or by going online at www.starz.bz/bmifcuk
About Barry Manilow: "The Greatest Love Songs of All Time" is out now in the UK, and is Barry Manilow's follow-up to the mega best-selling series of "Decades" albums that he masterminded with Clive Davis. The series began in January 2006 with "The Greatest Songs Of The Fifties", which entered the Billboard 200 album chart at #1, and was certified RIAA platinum "The Greatest Songs Of The Seventies" entered at #4 (September 2007), Barry Manilow was distinguished as the only artist to chart three Top 5 debuts during 2006-2007. The most recent entry in the series, "The Greatest Songs Of The Eighties" was released November 2008. Beyond the sensational "Decades" series, Arista is the home to Manilow's biggest hits including "Mandy," "It's a Miracle," "Could It Be Magic," "I Write the Songs," "Looks Like We Made It," "Can't Smile Without You," "Copacabana ( At the Copa)," "Somewhere In the Night," "Ships," "I Made It Through the Rain," and many, many more. With the worldwide record sales exceeding 80 million, Barry Manilow is ranked as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time, according to R&R (Radio & Records); with no less than 25 consecutive top 40 hits to his credit between 1975 and 1983, on the Billboard Hot 100. Manilow has worked on over 40 albums over the course of his career as a singer, songwriter, arranger and producer.
1st October 2010
Manilow Music Project Donates Instruments to Clark County School District 10/7 - Broadway World
Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow's non-profit organization, the Manilow Music Project, will put tens of thousands of dollars of musical instruments into the hands of fifteen Clark County School District middle schools and high schools at a celebratory delivery and distribution event on Thursday, October 7th, 2010 at Valley High School in Clark County, Nevada. Reinvigorating the school system's music program at a critical time of need, and credited with putting instruments in the hands of 600 students who would otherwise be unable to participate; this is the single largest donation of its kind in Clark County history for a music program.
Following the presentation, five semi-trucks brimming with musical instruments will be launched from the site to deliver the instruments to middle and high schools throughout Clark County. Manilow, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, district officials and hundreds of music teachers and students from the Clark County School District will be in attendance for the presentation, which will be hosted by Deejay Melanie from KSNE Sunny 106.5's "Melanie and Michael in the Morning." A portion of the instruments were collected through the Paris Théâtre box office, where fans can bring new and gently used musical instruments to receive a voucher for the Barry Manilow performance date of their choice.
Manilow credits his own secondary school music program as the genesis of his devotion to a legendary career in music, and considers the Manilow Music Project his chance to share that love of music with thousands of aspiring young musicians. In response to the needs of the local public schools and their severely depleted music programs, Barry Manilow gathered some friends and formed The Manilow Music Project (MMP) as part of his nonprofit Manilow Health and Hope Fund. The mission statement of the Manilow Music Project highlights the importance of music programs in our schools and donates instruments and materials to school music programs. The Manilow Music Project is also funded by the Manilow Paris Platinum Experience Tickets.
"The Las Vegas Community has been so kind to me; it is a pleasure to be bringing instruments to these kids. With public school music programs so severely depleted, it's more important than ever to do what we can to keep the music alive," says Manilow.
"The incredible generosity of the Manilow Music Project is an outstanding example of community support that enriches students," said Superintendent Walt Rulffes. "Thanks to Barry Manilow and his staff, thousands of Clark County School District students will have the opportunity to open their worlds and share their talents through music and the performing arts."
Manilow is currently performing more than 78 shows a year for two years at the Paris Théâtre at Paris Las Vegas. The shows are produced by STILETTO Entertainment in conjunction with AEG Live and Paris Las Vegas. The Platinum Experience Ticket (which funds the MMP to make these opportunities possible), includes a front row seat, pre-show champagne reception, meet & greet and photo with Barry Manilow, and an autographed show program. Fans can book online at www.starz.bz/manilowfund or by calling 310.957.5788.
Tickets for performances through January 16, 2011 are available on-line at Vegas.com or Ticketmaster.com, in person at the Paris Théâtre box office, or by calling 1.800.745.3000. Ticket prices are $250, $175, $125, $95 and $65. Front Row tickets for these dates are available now at www.FrontRowManilow.com. Visit www.parislasvegas.com for room and ticket packages. For more information on Barry Manilow at Paris Las Vegas visit www.ManilowParis.com.
Directed by renowned stage and film choreographer and director Jeffrey Hornaday (FLASHDANCE, A CHORUS LINE, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 4), this new show casts Manilow's hits in a new light in the intimate and elegant 1,500 seat Paris Théâtre. Including exhilarating new video elements and all the songs that have made him a pop culture icon over the past 35 years, the show brings the energy, sincerity and melody of Manilow at his best to a spectacular yet personal crescendo.
With worldwide record sales exceeding 80 million, Barry Manilow is ranked as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time, according to R&R (Radio & Records); with no less than 25 consecutive top 40 hits to his credit between 1975 and 1983, on the Billboard Hot 100. Manilow has worked on over 40 albums over the course of his career as a singer, songwriter, arranger and producer. He recently released 'The Greatest Love Songs of All Time,' a new album chronicling the most touching love songs ever written.
1st October 2010
It’s another extraordinary -- and mammoth -- act of generosity from superstar Strip entertainer Barry Manilow. Next week, the singer-songwriter will present five semi-trucks loaded with musical instruments to severely depleted school music programs. Students at no less than 15 schools in Las Vegas and Clark County will be recipients of the large gift valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Our merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman will join with hundreds of music teachers and students for the presentation Thursday. Barry runs Manilow Music Project as part of Manilow Fund for Health and Hope formed in 2008 to assist needs of public schools and financially depleted music programs. His charity furthers music education in the country with donations of instruments and related materials.
Barry has been praised in his hometown of Palm Springs, Calif., for his amazing philanthropic efforts and music gifts throughout Southern California. When he signed his two-year residency at the Paris, he vowed to do the same here. Fans have even brought new and gently used instruments to his box office in exchange for a free ticket to shows and meets-and-greets after performances.
“With public school music programs so severely depleted, it’s more important than ever to do what we can to keep the music alive. It is a pleasure to bring music to these kids,” Barry said in a statement. Vegas DeLuxe and Barry’s fans applaud him for his amazing gift.
22nd September 2010
"Barry Manilow to play with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra" by Linny Lum - Hollywood News
Legendary musician and performer Barry Manilow announces a series of first-ever Florida symphony concerts backed by The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra of Punta Gorda, Florida in January of 2011. Beginning on January 20th, and stretching across five major Florida cities, Manilow will bring his greatest hits to the Sunshine State. Tickets will be available to the general public on September 24. VIP and BMIFC advance tickets are presently on sale at Manilow.com.
The Florida concert series is an entirely exclusive and distinct experience from Manilow’s current critically acclaimed Paris Las Vegas residency shows, and features The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra plus Manilow’s Band and Cast from his Las Vegas Show. The concerts, produced in partnership with STILETTO Entertainment and BRE Presents, will mark the first time Manilow has performed with an orchestral accompaniment in Florida.
Recently, Manilow wowed fans in Atlantic City with a one-night-only show backed by the esteemed New York Pops to a sold-out crowd at Caesar's Boardwalk Hall. Prior to that, he lit up the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, to rave response. While in both cities, and in signature Manilow fashion, he was able to raise money and collect instruments for the Manilow Music Project to benefit local school music programs. The Manilow Music Project provides scholarships and musical instruments to secondary and high school music programs throughout the country.
Tickets for the following performances are now available:
January 20th at Orlando’s Amway Center
January 21st at Tampa’s St. Pete Times Forum
January 26th at Jacksonville’s Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
January 28th at Ft. Lauderdale’s Bank Atlantic Center
January 29th at Miami’s Bank United Center
29th August 2010
Music Producer Clive Davis Attends Barry Manilow at Paris Las Vegas - Broadway World
Multiple Grammy-Award winner and legendary music producer, Clive Davis, attended the 7:30 p.m. performance of Barry Manilow last night at Paris Las Vegas.
Clive Davis is an American record producer, executive and music industry executive. He has won multiple Grammy awards and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. From 1967-72 he was the President of Columbia Records, was the founder and president of Arista Records in the late 1970s through 2000 until founding J Records. From 2002 until April 2008, Davis was the Chairman and CEO of the RCA Music Group (which included RCA Records, J Records and Arista Records), Chairman and CEO of J Records, and Chairman and CEO of BMG North America. Currently Davis is the Chief Creative Officer of Sony Music Entertainment Worldwide. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a non-performer. He currently plays a part in the careers of Alicia Keys, Kelly Clarkson, Harry Connick, Jr., Leona Lewis, Barry Manilow, and Whitney Houston.
Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow is making music and magic at Paris Las Vegas with a reimagined stage show that is both more intimate and more exciting than ever before.
Manilow will perform 78 shows each year for two years at Paris Las Vegas. The shows are produced by AEG Live in conjunction with Paris Las Vegas. Tickets for performances through July 18, 2010 are currently on-sale. "The audience in Vegas is always energized and electric, so I know that the Paris Las Vegas is going to be a special run," said Manilow. "I'm planning something new for this performance; definitely not to be missed."
Directed by renowned stage and film choreographer and director Jeffrey Hornaday (Flashdance, A Chorus Line, High School Musical), this new show casts Manilow's hits in a new light in the intimate and elegant 1,500 seat Paris Théâtre. Including exhilarating new video elements and all the songs that have made him a pop culture icon over the past 35 years, the show brings the energy, sincerity and melody of Manilow at his best to a spectacular yet personal crescendo. "This is a very special show," said Director and Co-Creator Jeffrey Hornaday. "Barry has handcrafted a production that is incredibly personal and nuanced. The result is an original, moving, and thrilling theatrical experience. For me personally, it has been the most exciting creative process I've ever participated in."
With worldwide record sales exceeding 80 million, Barry Manilow is ranked as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time, according to R&R (Radio & Records); with no less than 25 consecutive top 40 hits to his credit between 1975 and 1983, on the Billboard Hot 100. Manilow has worked on over 40 albums over the course of his career as a singer, songwriter, arranger and producer. He recently released "The Greatest Love Songs of All Time," a new album chronicling the most touching love songs ever written.
Las Vegas middle school and high school music programs will benefit from Manilow's new contract with Paris by sharing in the proceeds of the special, weekly Platinum Experience Tickets. Platinum Experience Tickets which include a front row seat, pre-show champagne reception, meet & greet and photo with Barry Manilow, and an autographed show program are available now at www.ManilowParis.com or at 310.957.5788. Proceeds from Platinum Experience Tickets go directly to the Manilow Music Project. The Manilow Music Project is part of Manilow's non-profit, The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope and will put instruments into the hands of middle school and high school students in the Las Vegas Unified School District.
Tickets are available on-line at www.Ticketmaster.com, in person at the Paris Théâtre box office, or by calling 1.800.745.3000. Ticket prices are $250, $175, $125, and $95. Visit www.parislasvegas.com for room and ticket packages. For more information on Barry Manilow at Paris Las Vegas visit www.ManilowParis.com.
24th August 2010
Manilow Music Project puts instruments in kids’ hands and show tickets in yours - Vegas.Com
Not only does he “write the songs that make the whole world sing,” but he’s giving them instruments too. Legendary singer/songwriter Barry Manilow is putting instruments in the hands of students in the Clark County School District with his non-profit organization, the Manilow Music Project (MMP). Through the MMP guests who bring a new or gently used musical instrument to the Paris Theater will receive a voucher to see Manilow’s new show at Paris Las Vegas for the performance date of their choice. Donations are being accepted now through October when Manilow will present the school district with the donated instruments.
The MMP is part of The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope and was formed in response to the needs of public schools and their depleted music programs. MMP aids music programs around the country by donating instruments and materials to facilitate music education.
VEGAS.com had a chance to sit down with the music superstar to talk about his new show and why music is such an important part of the everyday curriculum for students. “Music classes are not just play time,” says Manilow. “Music classes make these kids, from what I heard, their grades go up, they become better people, they know how to interact with other children and most important, what I was told is that if you don’t have music classes, they won’t come back to school. They’ll drop out, and that’s what really got me,” said Manilow.
Before opening his show at Paris in March 2010, Manilow wowed audiences as a headliner at the Las Vegas Hilton for five years. In his new show, Manilow performs with a live band and four back-up singers and dancers in an intimate 1,500-seat theater. “At the Hilton we did a little production, but at the Paris we really blew it up. I hired a guy named Jeffery Hornaday, a brilliant, brilliant director and the two of us created a real production, and that’s what’s here at Paris Las Vegas,” said Manilow.
With more than 80 million records sold worldwide and a career spanning more than 35 years, Manilow is a music icon, but he just considers himself another guy in the band. “I am just a lucky musician. I am one of the guys that just got lucky,” said Manilow.
23rd August 2010
Barry Manilow 'Can't Smile Without' Music & Arts Classes in Schools - ET Online
Barry Manilow has been entertaining audiences for more than 30 years, and the Grammy-winning performer credits music and arts classes he took in high school for guiding him towards his successful career. Now, schools are in jeopardy of losing these helpful classes, and Barry is asking for your help!
"Because of budgetary problems around the country and [in] the schools, they're cutting music and arts classes, which just about killed me -- I don't know what I would have done without my music classes when I was growing up," Barry tells ET. "I felt, 'What can I do? I'm just one giddy singer.' So I donate money here and there and that's nice, but I thought maybe I could get the public to help do this."
Barry asks that you contact your local school or even your old high school and ask them what they need: "You know they need a set of drums. You know they need a trumpet. And if you can afford it, just get them some musical instruments, and if you can't do that, go to my website, Manilow.com, and we'll tell you how to do it," he says.
Barry is also asking the public to bring any musical instruments that may be collecting dust at home to the lobby of Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, where he performs his regular Vegas show. "Even if they're a little broken, we'll fix it up, and if they're not, we'll take 'em all and we'll send them out to the schools of Las Vegas, which are desperately in need of musical instruments," says Barry. "And you'll get a free ticket to my show, too. So, that sounds like a pretty good deal."
For those who can't make it out to Vegas to see him perform, Barry also has a website, Manilow.TV, where you can catch a retrospective of his live performances. "I've been videotaping all my shows for 30 years; they were only meant for archives and for me to watch myself," he explains, "and now I'm opening up my archives to the public."
In the spirit of helping young musicians, we asked Barry if he'd be willing to be a judge on "American Idol." He responds that despite the major time commitment required to do a weekly TV show, "I would love to do it, if I could really help them -- not just be a wise ass and tell them that they stink. If I could really help them like I did on the first couple of shows, and work with them, and see if I can teach them something, I would love to do that." ET Video interview with Barry
18th August 2010
Manilow Music Project to Benefit Clark County School District Students - Broadway World
Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow's non-profit organization, the Manilow Music Project, will put musical instruments into the hands of Clark County School District middle and high school students beginning with a major donation this Fall. Beginning August 18, fans who bring a new or gently used musical instrument to the Paris Théâtre box office will receive a voucher for the performance date of their choice. The Manilow Music Project (MMP) is part of The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope and was formed in response to the needs of public schools and their severely depleted music programs, and works towards highlighting these programs. Additionally, MMP aids these programs in the form of donations of instruments and materials to further music education around the country.
"I'm honored to be able to give the gift of music to so many not just for a night, but for a lifetime," says Manilow.
The Manilow Music Project is also funded by the Manilow Paris Platinum Experience Tickets, which are sold at all performances. The Platinum Experience Ticket includes a front row seat, pre-show champagne reception, meet & greet and photo with Barry Manilow, and an autographed show program. Fans can book online at www.starz.bz/manilowfund or by calling 310.957.5788.
Manilow is currently performing 78 shows a year for two years at the Paris Théâtre at Paris Las Vegas. The shows are produced by STILETTO Entertainment in conjunction with AEG Live and Paris Las Vegas.
Tickets for performances through January 16, 2011 are now available on-line at Vegas.com or Ticketmaster.com, in person at the Paris Théâtre box office, or by calling 1.800.745.3000. Ticket prices are $250, $175, $125, $95 and $65. Front Row tickets for these dates are available now at www.FrontRowManilow.com. Visit www.parislasvegas.com for room and ticket packages. For more information on Barry Manilow at Paris Las Vegas visit www.ManilowParis.com
Directed by renowned stage and film choreographer and director Jeffrey Hornaday (Flashdance, A Chorus Line, High School Musical 4), this new show casts Manilow's hits in a new light in the intimate and elegant 1,500 seat Paris Théâtre. Including exhilarating new video elements and all the songs that have made him a pop culture icon over the past 35 years, the show brings the energy, sincerity and melody of Manilow at his best to a spectacular yet personal crescendo.
With worldwide record sales exceeding 80 million, Barry Manilow is ranked as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time, according to R&R (Radio & Records); with no less than 25 consecutive top 40 hits to his credit between 1975 and 1983, on the Billboard Hot 100. Manilow has worked on over 40 albums over the course of his career as a singer, songwriter, arranger and producer. He recently released "The Greatest Love Songs of All Time," a new album chronicling the most touching love songs ever written.
14th August 2010
ATLANTIC CITY - Go ahead, try not to sing along to a Barry Manilow tune. From the moment Manilow appeared at the center of the Boardwalk Hall stage, singing his hit "Could It Be Magic" and backed by the 60-piece New York Pops orchestra, the crowd was almost compelled to sing every word.
Manilow came to Boardwalk Hall on Saturday night for a special one-time performance with the New York Pops, presented by Caesars Atlantic City. The sold-out show marked Manilow's first concert this year outside of his standing gig at the Paris Theatre Las Vegas.
"Hello, Atlantic City!" Manilow shouted to the frantic "fanilows" (the moniker given to Manilow's most loyal fans). "Looks like we've made it!"
For Manilow, those words couldn't be more true. At 67 years old, Manilow still sounds unbelievable. Hitting every note and singing nearly every major hit of his four-decade career, Manilow never stopped moving, except to occasionally blot the sweat off his face with a towel. "After 30 years of albums ... give me a break, ya know?" Manilow joked between songs.
The arrangement of the New York Pops behind Manilow's classics - especially hits like "Daybreak," "I Write the Songs" and "Weekend In New England," made for phenomenal live renditions. He also sprinkled in a few songs from his latest covers album, "The Greatest Love Songs of All Time." But for the most part, Manilow stuck to his own catalog, each song ending in a grand flourish from the orchestra.
But Manilow really shines when the bright lights and flashy backup dancers leave the stage - and he's behind the piano. Singing his classic love ballad "Weekend in New England," Manilow's voice soared above the crescendo of violins and drums. "If you can't get lucky to this one, you're in trouble," Manilow joked.
Manilow also used his rare chance with the orchestra to play a few hits he doesn't usually sing, including "When October Goes," a ballad he wrote based on an incomplete lyric by Johnny Mercer.
"Let's try it and see if I can hit the F sharp," Manilow said. And, he did.
"After all these years, I just never know if there's going to be an audience for me," Manilow said as the crowd cheered. "So thank you so much."
Kicking the night off on a lighter note was Las Vegas entertainer Gordie Brown, who opened for Manilow.
14th August 2010
ATLANTIC CITY - Barry Manilow bounded into Boardwalk Hall just a few hours before his concert Saturday night to greet some special guests - members of Atlantic City High School's marching band. The youngsters were invited to sit in on the Grammy Award-winning vocalist's rehearsal, filling up two rows of floor seats. Before his turn at the microphone, Manilow chatted with the students, telling them that when he was their age, he would attend shows and watch mesmerized from the audience.
"I sat here like you are and I said, 'This is what I want to do,'" he told them.
Behind him, the 60-piece New York Pops practiced the concert's opening song. The sounds of strings and drums and brass reverberated through the arena. "They have been working in the business all of their lives," Manilow said of the professional players. "Maybe that's what you'll end up doing."
Some of the students said they dream about becoming musicians when they're older.
"Mr. Manilow, how do I make it big as a drummer?" asked Ramier Brown, 16, of Atlantic City.
"Do you read music?"
"A little bit," Brown said.
"That's the trick. That's the way you make a living. If you can read, you can work," Manilow advised him. "You can be as talented as you want, but you got to spend a couple of years just diving in and reading it. Then you can find out if you're brilliant."
Demetrius Hart, who graduated from Atlantic City High School in June and played the snare drum in the band, was captivated by the intricacies of the concert. Sound check workers rushed the stage while the musicians played, the back-up singers grooved and mixing board professionals made sure it all came together.
"Is some of this prerecorded?" asked Hart, 17, of Atlantic City.
"This whole thing is live," Manilow told him before rushing up to the stage to practice his entrance.
Besides giving students a chance to see the "Copacabana" crooner up close, Manilow and his charity also donated about 15 instruments to Atlantic City High School for its music program. Started in 2008, the Manilow Music Project collects money from ticket sales to purchase instruments for public schools. It also collects and repairs used instruments.
Atlantic City High School band director Darryl Robinson said the instruments "come at a great time," as school districts are being squeezed by budget cuts and funding for ancillary programs such as music are jeopardized.
But just the chance for some of the school's band members to witness a legendary performer in action was appreciated, the students said.
"It's an honor to be invited to something this big," said Dominic Marinucci, a 16-year-old trumpet player from Ventnor.
"We're going to remember this," added Josh Roldan, 15, of Ventnor, who plays tenor saxophone and wants to study music in college.
Manilow, wearing a button-down shirt and black pants, belted out the final note to a song. The high school students fist-pumped and cheered him on.
After more than an hour of watching, they were given tickets to the night's show - but they wouldn't get to go. They had their own performance. In a couple of hours, the youngsters would be at Showboat Casino Hotel to play for the Atlantic City High School Class of 1970's 40-year reunion. There, an audience would be clapping for them.
12th August 2010
Barry Manilow is thinking big for the weekend's Boardwalk Hall date - his only appearance outside Las Vegas so far this year. The concert will feature the 60-piece New York Pops as the backing "band" for his extensive catalog of hits, including "Mandy," "Looks Like We Made It" and "Could It Be Magic." "I'm trying to do as many of the songs that people know," Manilow says during a recent phone interview from Palm Springs, Calif. "They sound fresh with an orchestra this size. I think the audience is going to be as thrilled as I am."
Manilow, who recently signed a new two year-deal to appear regularly at Paris Las Vegas, got his first taste of performing with an orchestra in October, when he gave a concert at the Hollywood Bowl with a similar ensemble. Next spring, he's booked for another such engagement with the Royal Philharmonic at London's O2 arena. "It was the thrill of my life - I wanted to do it again," he says of the Hollywood Bowl performance.
When Manilow first heard the musicians at the Hollywood Bowl play tracks such as "Even Now" and "I Write the Songs," he recalls, "my knees got weak." "We had a whole day of rehearsing these men and women," he says. "I'm a musician, too. I was giving out notes and suggesting how they should dig in and play. They became my band - 75 people, we were one. I always said, I'm a musician at heart. I know how to talk to musicians. I'd much rather have dinner with a trumpet player than some Hollywood star. I feel so comfortable with these people."
Performing on the East Coast also marks a sort of homecoming for the Brooklyn native, who has spent much of the past decade in Las Vegas, including a five-year stint at the Las Vegas Hilton. "In Las Vegas, or anywhere else in the country, I have to slow down," he says. "The New Yorker in me wants to do what New Yorkers do - we talk fast, we walk fast, we act fast. In the '70s, I would assume everybody did that. But they didn't. I had to learn to communicate with the world. When I'm back on the East Coast, I feel as though I'm at home. I can communicate with audiences the way I do with my family."
For his next project, the Grammy- and Emmy-winning performer is working on his first original music in some time, after focusing on a series of hit albums commemorating the greatest songs of the '50s, '60s, '70s and '80s, as well as the greatest love songs. The working title is "15 Minutes," and it will look at fame and its impact. The topic resonates with Manilow, who in the mid-'70s suddenly found himself thrust in the spotlight, after years of being a music director and producer for Bette Midler, among others. "I never, ever thought about being the guy who would stand up on the stage and sing," he says. "Coming from Brooklyn, I thought if I was lucky, I would have some kind of career as a musician, if I investigated what was out there as a composer and arranger."
After Manilow hit it big at the age of 31, the experience changed him for a time. "Boy, that threw me for a loop - that was fame hitting you in the stomach like a bowling ball," he says. "It knocked me right off my feet. I was an adult. I wasn't Lindsay Lohan or any of these kids. I was an adult, and it knocked me for a loop. I don't know how these young people get through it. I call it your a--hole period. When that hits, you always go into your a--hole period for at least four years. If you're lucky, you pull yourself together and treat it as a job, and you're grateful you have a career like that."
Having made it through that bubble, Manilow is appreciative of his success but even happier to have built a life offstage. "This is a great job, but the most important thing for me is playing with the dogs and going to the movies with friends and living my life," he says. "If it all went away right now, I would be a very grateful guy that I experienced it. I still have my own morals and know how to live my own life - that's the most important thing."