James Perovich
Last updated on August 18th, 2024 at 08:04 am
Barry Manilow, the man who “writes the songs the whole world sing,” put his legendary career on full display in Saint Paul on Saturday night. “Fanilows” who dressed in boas, sequins, and blazers sang along as Manilow performed his greatest hits from his peak years.
From 25 Billboard Top 40 hits to commercial jingles, Manilow filled his set with musical discourse and video clips from his impressive career. With his most commercially successful period spanning the early 70s to early 80s, the setlist focus was predominantly from that era.
Manilow opened with full songs, contrary to his occasional approach of piano-fueled medleys. Nestled between classics “It’s a Miracle” and “Daybreak” was his mid-80s track “I’m Your Man.” During the surprising choice Manilow and band members danced with him across the stage. For 81 years old, Manilow still has some moves.
The icon’s full band featured background singers who joined for certain songs. For “Let Freedom Ring,” a full choir sang on the stage. During a moment of retrospection, Manilow extended his personal views for a social message.
The “Copacabana” singer talked about the importance of voting without hinting at a particular affiliation. He specifically appealed to “the younger crowd” that “will make a difference” and the satisfaction he feels from voting. As he and the choir sang, a projection of the American Flag waved on the screens.
He also joked that he would run for president and make romantic music so nobody would fight and everyone would “make out.” All while a full-body picture of him from the 1970s displayed on the screen. Manilow quipped about his “super mega sex god” status while also joking that he might someday perform at Preperation H Arena.
On another societal note, Manilow honored Daniel Perelstein of Washington Technology as a recipient of his The Manilow Music Project grant. The fund awards grants to local music teachers and “empowers underfunded school music programs.” Manilow expressed his desire to help music programs suffering budget cuts while discussing music education’s impact on him.
Funny enough, Manilow shared how he did not want to be a performer, but a songwriter. So he shared some of his early songwriting/jingle hits, like the kid-favorite I am Stuck on BAND-AID, ’cause BAND-AID’s stuck on meee. And perhaps his most enduring hit, like a good neighbor, State Farm is therrre. Yes, Manilow is responsible for some popular commercial jingles.
Assisting Manilow was deft usage of perfectly suited video clips. Dick Clark and American Bandstand played during “Bandstand Boogie.” Manilow showed old album covers during his interludes and commentary. But the coolest and most moving was his 1975 flashback on The Midnight Special.
After playing a clip of him performing the opening verse of his first hit “Mandy,” Manilow came on stage to play the rest of the song at his piano. That segued perfectly into his “Could It Be Magic” performance, which he sang as a duet as the screen played his Midnight Special performance. The song’s empathic closing with TWO Manilows singing at pianos was a goosebumps moment.
Overall, Manilow’s vocals remain unflinching. The slow, acrobatic lines from “Weekend in New England”? Flawless. The long-held notes at the end of “Even Now”? No slowing down. Manilow even sang a capella for certain song openings.
The endearing entertainer also threw it back to some disco hits, like Donna Summer’s version of “Could It Be Magic” and the most predictable moment, his closing song “Copacabana.” For this, Manilow and background singers donned festival attire and danced to extended instrumentals for his most popular hit.
For a night when there was a buzz in the crowd after the Aerosmith news, this “Last Concert” in Saint Paul felt not only like a celebration but also like a giant thank you. And it proved that the world does indeed sing the songs he writes.
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