Review: Barry Manilow at first direct arena, Leeds, June 25, 2022

By Sara Jane Perovic

AS fast as rain clouds gathered over a bustling Leeds city centre, so too did faithful fans, off to spend the evening with their favourite global superstar at undoubtedly one of the best feel-good events in years.

Barry Manilow made a show-stopping appearance at Leeds City Centre Arena on Saturday 25 June and the 79-year-old superstar wowed an adoring audience of fans young, old and in-between with a joyful journey through his most memorable music proving the old songs really can bring back the old times.

It is a surreal experience to be in the presence of such a prolific performer and for many his songs have been the soundtrack of their lifetimes with more than 85 million records sold world-wide.

Manilow is one of the biggest-selling artists of all time and hyping the crowd was a mega-mix of his most celebrated music.

Fans danced, cheered and applauded the much-loved star with befitting standing ovations and he most certainly wrote the songs that made the whole crowd sing.

Manilow’s music has stood the test of time and hearing these marvellous melodies made for an emotional evening.

An exhilarating shot of pure unbridled entertainment that proved to be the perfect antidote to the troubled times of today.

With a career spanning seven decades and Manilow classic crowd-pleasers such as Mandy, Could it Be Magic and Copacabana, the soon-to-be octogenarian belted out the best of his ballads from Even Now to Weekend in New England.

This was a polished performance delivered in an affable style with a set-list that showcased his inimitable and unparalleled talent.

Flanked by three foxy backing singers and a world-class ten-piece band, this consummate professional bedazzled the star-struck concert-goers as the stage was set ablaze with a coruscating kaleidoscope of colour.

Manilow’s presence radiated from the stage and his personality sparkled almost as much as the stunning jewels that adorned his multiple jacket changes.

Highlights included technical wizardry that enabled Manilow to duet with his 1970’s self and an endearing tale of how his grandfather was instrumental in his future musical career.

Technical issues took out the sound at one point but the star carried on like a true trouper and his seven decades of experience shone through.

American jazz singer Curtis Stigers supported Manilow and his gravelly distinctive voice cut through the crowd with a set list that included I Wonder Why and All That Matters to Me.

Manilow most definitely succeeded in brightening everyone’s day but now it already seems light years away as the greatest showman heads home to the USA for his up-coming Las Vegas residency.