More Manilow Concert Dates and Platinum Packages Announced

[Suzan]

http://www.facebook.com/barrymanilow

Here are the specifics:

More Manilow Concert Dates and Platinum Packages!

Pull out your calendar! We just confirmed some new concert dates!

Here are the specifics:

Verona, NY – Turning Stone Events Center – August 18

Reading, PA – Sovereign Center – September 6

Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena – September 7

Worcester, MA – DCU Center – September 14

Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena – September 15

Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center – September 16

BMIFC member can get their tickets before the general public!

BMIFC tickets will be available at www.starz.bz/bmifc or by calling 310.957.5788 on Monday, May 7 at 10 AM (Pacific Time).

FRONT ROW MANILOW tickets will also be available only at www.FrontRowManilow.com.

And…we are also offering Platinum packages for all of the dates listed above (except for Verona, NY)! Remember, proceeds from the Platinum packages go directly to the Manilow Music Project and include the following:

-Front Row Seat.
-Meet/Greet with Barry.
-Photo with Barry.
-Pre-Show Champagne Reception.
-Souvenir Laminate.
-A Memory of a Lifetime!

Platinum packages will be available via www.starz.bz/manilowfund or by calling 310.957.5788.

[Brenda M]

More platinums (groan!)

Just once ... Once before I die ... could I see a hotline message
offering backstage meet and greets FOR FREE?

You know - like - meet the fans just to be nice?

Like he sometimes used to do? Back in the old days?

I'm sorry ...

Sometimes this whole "pay for love" thing just makes me so sad.

Thanks for letting me vent.


Brenda

[starn...@earthlink.net]

On Friday, May 4, 2012 5:57:33 PM UTC-7, Brenda M wrote:
> More platinums (groan!)
>
> Just once ... Once before I die ... could I see a hotline message
> offering backstage meet and greets FOR FREE?
>
> You know - like - meet the fans just to be nice?
>
> Like he sometimes used to do? Back in the old days?
>
> I'm sorry ...
>
> Sometimes this whole "pay for love" thing just makes me so sad.
>
> Thanks for letting me vent.
>
>
> Brenda
>

How would they choose, Brenda? Lottery? Age? Looks? Every fan on the planet would want to do it, and the backlash from those that didn't get chosen would be huge, you can bet on it. There'd be rumors of "lottery fixing" or whatever.
I understand your sentiment though.
CA Sharon

[Kittenmommy]

For a while during the '80s, you could meet Aerosmith just by showing
up at their concert with some canned food for the homeless (which I
think is pretty awesome, BTW). I suspect that this quickly became
unmanageable.

[Brenda M]

I think I met Rick Springfield for fifty dollars.

All of us who bought the meet-and-greet package (there was about a
hundred of us) got to hang around after the show and then we all lined
up. If your friend wanted to take your photo with Rick, that was
allowed.

Best fifty bucks I ever spent!


Brenda

[Brenda M]

On May 4, 9:27 pm, starns0...@earthlink.net wrote:

In the past, that's what he did. He met fans for free.
And yes, other fans who got left out bitched (and I was certainly a
member of that club a time or two!).

And life went on.

Now ...the rich get to waltz backstage multiple times.
And other (poorer) fans who are permanently left out...yep...they
still bitch.

Bottom line: TPTB didn't care about the "backlash" then, and I'd bet
they still don't.

But the beat goes on.

:-)

Brenda

[shado...@gmail.com]

Sorry for this opinion. Barry Manilow doesn't have the type
of fan base now that would allow him to do stuff for free. I
kind of get the feeling a lot of the old guard fans from the
early years either dropped him or turned into civilian fans
Maybe back in the day 70', 80's and early 90's he had the
kind of fans he could meet for free but not now. Someone in
the Fanilow group over on facebook asked what happened to the
platinums. Another member mentioned about fans doing more than
one platinum. I think that for a while if there were any extra
platinums after ever befores got their's. Then others who had
already done one the year before could do another. It's like Barry
seeing the same fans sitting in the front row Manilow seats over and
over again. Not every week mind you but maybe every month like some
did in LV. You know "Oh no you again.Didn't I just see you here last
month." Barry also has to many fans wanting to grab him. Plus a lot
of them act like teenagers. It make me wonder did they have a teenage
crush when they were teenagers? I did and David Cassidy was his name.


Right now I'm just glad Barry's coming to Pittsburgh September 16. So
I can get a ticket through Starz.bz. The last time I checked sections
one, two, three and best available. The best available was the closest
seat second row right of center. I'll give you a review of the show.
I'll remember his jacket colors and set list. So I can give you a non
gushing review. Not the long winded ones Dana does or the Thank You
Barry ones that girls at the Barry Net do.
Linda

[Kittenmommy]

On May 4, 10:23 pm, Brenda M <bmesku...@aol.com> wrote:

> I think I met Rick Springfield for fifty dollars.
>
> All of us who bought the meet-and-greet package (there was about a
> hundred of us) got to hang around after the show and then we all lined
> up.  If your friend wanted to take your photo with Rick, that was
> allowed.
>
> Best fifty bucks I ever spent!

I met Rick Springfield for free. It was in a hotel swimming pool.

OK, wow, that really sounds bad.

It wasn't like *that*; we were both swimming in the pool. I didn't
even know who he was; we had a long conversation about Australia (he
was the first person I've ever met from there). And we played "Marco
Polo" in the pool, LOL.

Exciting, right?

[shado...@gmail.com]

It's not always the rich who do more than one platinum.
Some time it's people like me who aren't rich but choose
to put the platinum on their credit card. Or fans who
only got five or ten minutes and that was not enough. So
they have to do another one to get another five or ten
minutes with him. Hopefully fans aren't trying to see
how many platinums they can do like they did with CSWY.
I remember seeing online the story about the fan who did
her fourth CSWY experence in Columbus OH back in 2002.
She got on stage and told Barry this was her fourth
CSWY. Barry was so pissed he gave her a microphone. He
then went went back and let her sing CSWY all by herself.
She didn't get the following. Put between his legs, a
kiss on the lips, a second kiss blown at her CSWY tape
was not signed. After that Barry started saying virgins
and newbies only. Boy did she have Barry Net fans mad
at her.

I checked out Barry's facebook page under this message.
You've got fans wanting platinums for the shows already
inked. Fans asking for Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Northwest,
the South, Canada, Californa Florida, Rome Italy and etc.
Now the real kicker was the fan who asked for St. Paul MN.
St. Paul was last month on the 13 at Xcel Energy Center.
Where was this fan (female) the night of the St. Paul show?
Barry wil get to all these other fans in do time. I know
it takes time to get the venues and dates finalized. I
figured Barry would play Pittsburgh when the venue he wanted
to play in (Consol Energy Center) was available. Sometimes
when playing an arena during the fall and winter months you
have to compete with professional basketball and hockey teams.
As well as college and university basketball teams who might
also use the arena.
Linda

[Brenda M]

On May 5, 1:03 am, "shadowma...@gmail.com" <shadowma...@gmail.com>

Okay ... I'm always trying to see the positive.

Yeah, the thought of more platinums doesn't thrill me. Those who have
plenty of money will go back for their third, fourth or fifth "date"
with Barry while others will scrimp, save, skip a mortgage payment, or
do whatever it takes to have just that one shot with Barry because
they know they'll never get it for free. I still don't see why TPTB
can't raffle off a few of these so that everyone can have the
opportunity to win one.

But, hey, at least it's a good sign. Barry must be feeling better if
he's willing to bring them back. I'm thinking his people didn't offer
them earlier because he was still hurting from the surgery (and
meeting fans would have just been too much).

Brenda

[KJM]

Still not entirely sure how I feel about Platinums, had they been offered here for this road trip, my husband had already said if you want to apply for one, I will stump up the readies.

I don't begrude anyone doing them multiple times, their monies after all, but I have to say, I don't understand why they would, well I do of course it is to be with Barry again, but I would only want to do it once, and treasure the memory, and hope Barry had not been pissed off by anyone/anything prior to me meeting him, been sort of put off by some of the accounts I have read.

I personally am glad the CSWY is no longer being done, and I do understand why on Barry's account, and to some extent can understand his reaction and subsequent stance to the woman who admitted being up there what was it, 4 times, to me, that is pure selfishness on her, and others like her parts, so not surprised Barry insisted on newbies, he is right, they had their moment, let someone else have a chance and don't be so effing greedy is my thought on repeaters.

That's my two penneth.

[bookworm]

Yes, there are those who have done Platinums 2,3 even 4 times (maybe more) and think nothing of it using the excuse it's for Barry's charity. There are many that say if they want to contribute to Barry's charity after having done Platinum more than once, they can send a check to the bmifc without doing Platinum again. Many wonder just how many of them would actually contribute to this charity if Barry wasn't doing these meet and greets. The only thing I can say besides them being selfish and taking that place away from someone else is if the bmifc didn't want people doing these things more than once, they wouldn't allow it. But then I'm sure they only care about bringing in the bucks to support Barry's cause and don't care where the money comes from. They couldn't do it if Barry hadn't agreed to it.

There have been some that have said people in Barry's camp don't even want certain names mentioned when these people are there 'again' and they are looked at funny. Personally, it's their money and they can do what they want to with it but one would think some of these people would let it go and give some others a chance - those that have been saving and saving and can only do it once but haven't been able to because the spaces are full by the time they have enough saved. I also feel the bmifc should put a limit on the thing and tell some enough is enough. IF the spaces aren't filled after a certain amount of time then they can open the remainder of spaces to repeaters. What's fair is fair. Either way, those spaces are going to get filled since they've only been taking 10 at a time of late.

[Brenda M]

On May 5, 12:52 pm, bookworm <jnnwlk...@gmail.com> wrote:

>
> Yes, there are those who have done Platinums 2,3 even 4 times (maybe more) and think nothing of it using the excuse it's for Barry's charity.

THANK YOU! Oh, man, if I hear THAT one one more time ... I always
want to say, "yeah, uh huh, let's see how fast you'd fork over that
money again if meeting Barry weren't part of it." It's such a crock -
give me a break. Yes, I know, a lot of his fans give to charity (and
so do I), but would I give $1500 (for the second or third time) to one
of Barry's charities if it didn't include meeting him? DUH. I'd give
my $1500 to one of MY favorite charities first.

>
> There have been some that have said people in Barry's camp don't even want certain names mentioned when these people are there 'again' and they are looked at funny.

THEN THEN SHOULDN'T TAKE THEIR MONEY AND THEY SHOULDN'T LET THEM BACK
THERE!

I'm sorry, but if there's a fan walking through that door who paid for
that platinum, she deserves the VIP treatment that's promised in the
promotion. Taking a fan's money and then sneering at her behind her
back is just ... plain .... low. Creepy and low. Creepy and tacky
and low, low, low.

I sure hope what you're hearing isn't true. I would be very
disappointed if it is.

Brenda

[bookworm]

I really don't know, Brenda. Just mentioning what I was told and I got the impression it was said about the ones who do it several times. They are known as stalkers. Sometimes things are said a little too loudly and others can't help but hear what was said because they weren't far away from these people. Disgression is the better part of valor. WHO in Barry's camp made the comments, I don't know although a few have said some comments have come from people at the bmifc and also from his security people. As I said before, if Barry and the bmifc allow it then it is what it is. From what I gather, these people get the same treatment as all the others but some in Barry's camp wonder what their REAL motives are.

[marvin]

On May 4, 8:57 pm, Brenda M <bmesku...@aol.com> wrote:
> More platinums (groan!)
>
> Just once ... Once before I die ... could I see a hotline message
> offering backstage meet and greets FOR FREE?
>
> You know - like - meet the fans just to be nice?
>
> Like he sometimes used to do?  Back in the old days?
>
> I'm sorry ...
>
> Sometimes this whole "pay for love" thing just makes me so sad.
>
> Thanks for letting me vent.
>
> Brenda

Hi Brenda,
Let us try to be positive about the Platinum meets and greets.
The platinums have been a good fund raiser, perhaps the best fund
raiser that was created to raise money for his funds. So why should
they not be offered if the results in the past indicate that the
platinums have good fund raisers for the causes Barry believes in.
Also, now that Barry is performing in many small cities that
people have not seen him before, perhaps there will be new people that
will see him perform live and also get an opportunity to meet him.
We can complain and vent about the platinums as often as possible
and we all know that there are artists that are glad to meet their
fans backstage as a courtesy, but this will not happen with Barry, not
unless he performs in venues that are smaller than 1,000 people. As
long as the platinums continue to sell out and Barry is willing to do
them, then I doubt that anything will change. Marvin

[Brenda M]

Marvin -

When was the last time you paid for a few minutes of Barry's time?

Brenda

[Kittenmommy]

On May 5, 1:40 pm, bookworm <jnnwlk...@gmail.com> wrote:

> I really don't know, Brenda. Just mentioning what I was told and I got the impression it was said about the ones who do it several times. They are known as stalkers.

Well, I'm sure that some people might get... ah... a bit out of hand.

> Disgression is the better part of valor.

Or discretion, even. ;)

[Kittenmommy]

On May 5, 1:22 pm, Brenda M <bmesku...@aol.com> wrote:

> I'm sorry, but if there's a fan walking through that door who paid for
> that platinum, she deserves the VIP treatment that's promised in the
> promotion. Taking a fan's money and then sneering at her behind her
> back is just ... plain .... low.  Creepy and low.  Creepy and tacky
> and low, low, low.

Very true. If they don't want repeaters or don't want certain people
there for whatever reason, they just shouldn't allow it in the first
place.

> I sure hope what you're hearing isn't true.  I would be very
> disappointed if it is.

ITA.

[Kittenmommy]

On May 5, 7:04 pm, Brenda M <bmesku...@aol.com> wrote:
> Marvin -
>
> When was the last time you paid for a few minutes of Barry's time?

You beat me to it.

[bookworm]

LOL......don't ask me why I spelled that word that way! I must have had some others things going on and typed parts of other words. I know how to spell discretion. That's my big blunder for the day. LOL

[bookworm]

Good for you, Brenda! But, in all fairness, maybe Marvin has chosen not to. Why should he or anyone else pay if they can meet or talk to Barry for free? I wouldn't, would you?

[Kittenmommy]

I figured it was a typo. I've made many stupid typos in my day,
believe me! :p

[Kittenmommy]

On May 5, 10:50 pm, bookworm <jnnwlk...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Good for you, Brenda! But, in all fairness, maybe Marvin has chosen not to.

Yes, obviously.

> Why should he or anyone else pay if they can meet or talk to Barry for free? I wouldn't, would you?

I wouldn't pay, but as you know, not my fandom, etc..

And anyway, it's not a payment, it's a *cough cough* *DONATION* to a
*CHARITY*.

Yeah. Sure.

[dcsharon]

On May 5, 9:57 am, KJM <ka...@kdaf.co.uk> wrote:

> I personally am glad the CSWY is no longer being done,

I have to respectfully disagree -- only because it was the one moment
in the show that wasn't scripted. You never knew what you were going
to get, and for long time fans (like me!) it was a moment -- and it
worked (sorry, couldn't resist). Everyone in that arena had an equal
chance of being picked -- all for the cost of a concert ticket.

I had the best time singing with him, and it was the best PR he could
possibly do -- only because I showed my video to everyone I knew and
they all said the same thing ... "ah, isn't he the nicest guy".

> and I do understand why on Barry's account, and to some extent can understand his reaction and subsequent stance to the woman who admitted being up there what was it, 4 times, to me, that is pure selfishness on her, and others like her parts, so not surprised Barry insisted on newbies, he is right, they had their moment, let someone else have a chance and don't be so effing greedy is my thought on repeaters.

I agree with that completely. I would love to do it again to re-do
all the stuff I thought I did badly -- but I wouldn't take that
opportunity away from someone else who may not have done it.

A 4 time dipper was just being completely selfish and he was right to
get mad at her.

>
> That's my two penneth.

Along with mine.

(DC) Sharon

[Brenda M]

Sharon.

Everything you said about "Can't Smile" goes ditto for me.

I can understand why he took it out of the show... Some fans had
abused it and he was probably sick to death of it. Also, one of the
side benefits of taking it out is that the platinums become a bit more
desirable.

So ... I don't blame him for removing the duet.
But I sure wish he hadn't.


Brenda

[Brenda M]

On May 5, 10:50 pm, bookworm <jnnwlk...@gmail.com> wrote:

>

> Good for you, Brenda! But, in all fairness, maybe Marvin has chosen not to. Why should he or anyone else pay if they can meet or talk to Barry for free? I wouldn't, would you?

You know, back in the day when fans did get escorted backstage (for
free), I used to fantasize about what it would feel like to be invited
back. I imagined it was a huge rush...after all, HE wanted to meet
ME. Wow! What a huge compliment, right? Doesn't get better than
that.

But ... nowhere in that fantasy did someone ask me for money first
So ... buying a platinum now would just wreck my fantasy, and I'm not
willing to do that.

But ... if other fans really want to do it ... have never done it ...
have the money ... and wanna go for it because it's their one chance
in a lifetime to go backstage and talk to Barry for a few minutes, I
would NEVER ever ever ever ever blame 'em for it. Life is short, and
the heart wants what the heart wants. All I ask is that they don't
blather on about "Well, it's for CHARITY." If they say, "Hey, I just
really wanted to meet Barry," I sure have no problem with that. And I
understand, truly.

Brenda

P.S. You know, back when fans frequently met Barry - not just
backstage, but during "Can't Smile" or wherever - they used to TALK
about it. They were excited and giddy and out of their minds with
joy. I've read a few nice "platinum" stories in recent years ... and
those stories just don't have the same magic. I really miss that.

[marvin]

Hi Bookworm, Brenda, Kittenmommy,
I deserved your scorn and thank you for your
comments.. At most of the concerts, theater and dance events I attend,
audiences are usually invited to opening night meet the cast
receptions as a free courtesy for attending the events, so bookworm
is right- I and many patrons of the performing arts are accustomed to
meeting performers freely and with much warmth and enthusiasm
expressed by the performers, so it is rather insulting for a performer
to charge big bucks to basically hear you say hello and I enjoyed your
show for a few minutes after the show. Other performers want to meet
their audience and would not even think of charging money for the
privilege of hearing feedback about the show.
But when we talk of Barry- this is a performer
who is uncomfortable being in the spotlight outside of performing at a
concert, goes to shows of his friends in a guarded manner and does not
enter a venue until the lights are out, so he is very uncomfortable
about meeting people who either he does not know or are not screened
in advance. I don't think Barry enjoys meeting his audience as much as
other performers do and unfortunately will only do meet and greets
under the strict formats of the platinums. Marvin

[marvin]

>
> Sorry for this opinion. Barry Manilow doesn't have the type
> of fan base now that would allow him to do stuff for free. I
> kind of get the feeling a lot of the old guard fans from the
> early years either dropped him or turned into civilian fans
> Maybe back in the day 70', 80's and early 90's  he had the
> kind of fans he could meet for free but not now. Someone in
> the Fanilow group over on facebook asked what happened to the
> platinums. Another member mentioned about fans doing more than
> one platinum. I think that for a while if there were any extra
> platinums after ever befores got their's. Then others who had
> already done one the year before could do another. It's like Barry
> seeing the same fans sitting in the front row Manilow seats over and
> over again. Not every week mind you but maybe every month like some
> did in LV. You know "Oh no you again.Didn't I just see you here last
> month." Barry also has to many fans wanting to grab him. Plus a lot
> of them act like teenagers. It make me wonder did they have a teenage
> crush when they were teenagers? I did and David Cassidy was his name.

> Linda

Good observation on Barry's past history with fans and thanks for
the comments.
But I think one of the reasons fans became (sorry for the word)
"fanilows" is because Barry makes meetings with his fans like a
fantasy and a privilege rather than as a courtesy. I also think Barry
meeting one on one, instead of a cast party like other performers, may
encourage more bizarre behavior by the fanilows.
Maybe if Barry and cast meet the audience after the concerts- and
limit the audience to the first 100-150 people who buy a ticket- the
experience would seem to be more of something people expect him to do,
rather than a privileged fantasy and hopefully the obnoxious behavior
would be eliminated. I think with so many people at the receptions, as
opposed to the one on one meetings, there is less chance of fans
acting like loonies. Marvin

[KJM]

Marvin, post of the week for me, moreover your second paragraph. That paragraph totally totally fits Barry, from what I have read, and from the rare footage of seeing him outside his comfort zone i.e. the stage, he absolutely does look uncomfortable to the point of being awkward. I get that, and am now beginning to better understand him.

Thanks Marvin.

[bookworm]

From what's been said about the Platinums - they used to be $1000 and people got more, including a desert bar and a gift certificate to pick out anything from the Manilow merchandise they wanted. Quite a few picked the hooded sweatshirt which I think sold for $60. Now, it's $500 more and they don't get any of that. But, I bet they could charge $2000 and people would still pay it. They offer Champagne while waiting in the lounge to meet Barry but most have said they don't drink it. They put your name on a card on the seat where you will be sitting (attached to the top part of the seat) and I'm not so sure that's a good idea. The whole theatre doesn't need to know who you are and where you will be sitting. jmho

As for the CSWY segment. I think they stopped it because of all the signs and some venues don't allow that. The lady who was picked four times was wrong but I'd like to know what it was about her signs that made Barry pick her all those times. She couldn't have done it if he didn't keep picking her.

[bookworm]

That should be DESSERT bar. Duh........

[KJM]

That could work Marvin, particularly if Barry had the support of those he trusts around him, but I still think it would feel like hell on earth for him, if what you say is so, he is totally outside his comfort zone, i.e. stage, when meeting strangers.

All I would say is, hope that among that group of say 100 there were some sensible, know how to behave people, who would not tolerate any loonie, obnoxious or otherwise behaviour, only takes one to ruin it for the majority.

[Beanz]

When celebrities visit our city they are pretty much left alone once
outside their venues. Actually they are pretty much left alone inside
their venues, too. When Bon Jovi was here in the 80s the following
day he and Richie walked through the fair grounds, nobody bothered
them, no autographs seeking mob, nothing like that. Same with when
Gene Simmoms from KISS was here, they had a meet and greet (for free)
at the venue once it was over he found it nice to be able to just walk
freely around, although he did state he's very used to having a lot of
attention drawn to him and found it to be desconzerting after awhile.
I saw Steve Tylor in a restaurant having dinner after I was finished
work. He was left alone, gave a nice pic with the restaurant owner,
they put it on the wall. Blah Blah Blah. No celeb here gets mobbed
or mauled, not the ones from my era anyway. The younger ones I have
no idea about.

Barry could easily just walk the streets here without problems.
Chances are most wouldn't even know who he was anyway. I guess we
already figured out that they are just regular people. We leave well
enough alone.

[Robinann]

I did Platinums twice. The first time, when they were first offered,
was in Columbus with my two girlfriends. At that time, the limit was
only 1 per person. When they were opened up again to people who had
previously done Platinums (I think 2008?) I did a second one only
because this time I was by myself. But, two is the limit for me even
though I have the funds. I mean, what do you say "Hi, it's me again!"

[bookworm]

Some have said they want Barry to remember them and know who they are. I don't see anything wrong with doing it twice because you may have forgotten to say something the first time but, after that, it seems to be the consensus that it borders on obsession. I would like to know what Barry really thnks when he sees some faces over and over again? Sure, he's grateful for the donation but I wonder if he sometimes thinks...."not you again!" He's too much of a gentleman to say anything but then he may not care at all as long as the $$$ keeps coming in. He may think it's all for a good cause.

Through the years, there are those who have spent their whole inheritance, their entire savings, their mortgage payments, taken out loans on their homes, borrowed from other people, maxed out all their credit cards, even steal, etc. just to do these things and keep doing these things. Even some marriages have gone belly up from supporting these obsessions. It's really pathetic when you think about it. Some have said they will think about paying all this money back later, if at all. It's all in where one's priorities are and some live for today because they feel they may not be here tomorrow. It's really sad.

[starn...@earthlink.net]

You know, bookworm, every thing you wrote about Barry fans can be said about fans of almost anything. There are Star Trek fans who spend money they don't have on costumes, conventions, memorablia, etc. Football fans who buy season tickets for thousands of dollars, and max out their credit cards going to the Super Bowl each year. Poker players, scuba divers, motorcycle riders, doll collectors ...there isn't a fan base or a hobby that doesn't have fanatics who have no sense of restraint.

Living for today is not a bad thing. You just have to remember that you MIGHT be here tomorrow, and you'll still have to eat. :-p
CA Sharon

[Kittenmommy]

On May 6, 12:39 pm, bookworm <jnnwlk...@gmail.com> wrote:

> That should be DESSERT bar. Duh........

I just figured they let you choose between the Gobi, Sahara, Death
Valley, etc.. ;)

[Kittenmommy]

On May 6, 12:39 pm, bookworm <jnnwlk...@gmail.com> wrote:

> That should be DESSERT bar. Duh........

[Kittenmommy]

On May 6, 12:36 pm, bookworm <jnnwlk...@gmail.com> wrote:

> They offer Champagne while waiting in the lounge to meet Barry but most have said they don't drink it.

I would drink it. I do better in stressful situations if I have some
booze in me, LOL.

[Kittenmommy]

On May 6, 3:21 pm, starns0...@earthlink.net wrote:

> You know, bookworm, every thing you wrote about Barry fans can be said about fans of almost anything. There are Star Trek fans who spend money they don't have on costumes, conventions, memorablia, etc.

Every fandom has its... ah, shall we say, "fringe elements". However,
it seems that there are certain fandoms who have more of those
elements than others. "Star Trek" is an excellent example.

[Kittenmommy]

On May 6, 12:39 pm, bookworm <jnnwlk...@gmail.com> wrote:

> That should be DESSERT bar. Duh........

[Brenda M]

LOL! When I read that, I could imagine me saying to somebody
backstage, "Screw this wimpy grape juice! Get me a Jack and Coke with
a shot of Jager, tout de suite!"

Brenda

[bookworm]

You'll get no argument from me, Sharon, as what you say is true. You're last sentence is what it's all about. Maybe some don't have to worry about eating tomorrow if they are still here because they are financially set. More power to them but it's the ones who can't control themselves as you say that really should step back and take a look at the overall picture.

I don't know about anyone else but I want to be able to sleep at night and not lie awake wondering how I'm going to pay the bills. To me, it's all about responsibility and living within my means. You can't do anything anymore without a good credit rating - not even get a job. Taking care of me comes first (if I don't, who will) as I want a roof over my head and food to eat so I have to choose what is more important. Sure, there are many things I would have liked to be in on but I put the skids on and did without because I knew I couldn't swing it, especially when this economy tanked. I kept my savings in case I needed it for something else. And Murphy's Law always seems to rear it's ugly head at the worst possible times! lol Everyone is different.

[bookworm]

What's wrong with me these last couple of days? Must be Spring Fever! That should be YOUR in my post above, not you're. Holy smokes!

[Brenda M]

On May 6, 11:37 am, marvin <marv...@gmail.com> wrote:

>                      But when we talk of Barry- this is a performer
> who is uncomfortable being in the spotlight outside of performing at a
> concert, goes to shows of his friends in a guarded manner and does not
> enter a venue until the lights are out, so he is very uncomfortable
> about meeting people who either he does not know or are not screened
> in advance. I don't think Barry enjoys meeting his audience as much as
> other performers do and unfortunately will only do meet and greets
> under the strict formats of the platinums. Marvin

I didn't mean for it to come across as "scorn", Marvin ... only
pointing out that it's easy to defend a platinum costing a fan $1500
when you never have to pay for anything.

So, moving along ...

I agree. He does meets and greets when he has to. Maybe, as he's
aged, he's just gotten more insecure with it. Back in his younger
days he wasn't as "fan friendly" as we would have wanted, perhaps, but
MUCH more so back then than now. He used to meet fans because he
WANTED to meet them and thank them, not because he was obligated to do
it. What a huge difference THAT makes.

Brenda

[Beanz]

For every celbrity I have met, I never spent a scent. Not 1 thyn dyme.

[shado...@gmail.com]

On Friday, May 4, 2012 7:55:40 PM UTC-4, Suzan wrote:
> http://www.facebook.com/barrymanilow
>
> Here are the specifics:
>
> More Manilow Concert Dates and Platinum Packages!
>
> Pull out your calendar! We just confirmed some new concert dates!
>
> Here are the specifics:
>
> Verona, NY – Turning Stone Events Center – August 18
>
> Reading, PA – Sovereign Center – September 6
>
> Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena – September 7
>
> Worcester, MA – DCU Center – September 14
>
> Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena – September 15
>
> Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center – September 16
>
> BMIFC member can get their tickets before the general public!
>
> BMIFC tickets will be available at www.starz.bz/bmifc or by calling 310.957.5788 on Monday, May 7 at 10 AM (Pacific Time).
>
> FRONT ROW MANILOW tickets will also be available only at www.FrontRowManilow.com.
>
> And…we are also offering Platinum packages for all of the dates listed above (except for Verona, NY)! Remember, proceeds from the Platinum packages go directly to the Manilow Music Project and include the following:
>
> -Front Row Seat.
> -Meet/Greet with Barry.
> -Photo with Barry.
> -Pre-Show Champagne Reception.
> -Souvenir Laminate.
> -A Memory of a Lifetime!
>
> Platinum packages will be available via www.starz.bz/manilowfund or by calling 310.957.5788.




On Friday, May 4, 2012 7:55:40 PM UTC-4, Suzan wrote:
> http://www.facebook.com/barrymanilow
>
> Here are the specifics:
>
> More Manilow Concert Dates and Platinum Packages!
>
> Pull out your calendar! We just confirmed some new concert dates!
>
> Here are the specifics:
>
> Verona, NY – Turning Stone Events Center – August 18
>
> Reading, PA – Sovereign Center – September 6
>
> Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena – September 7
>
> Worcester, MA – DCU Center – September 14
>
> Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena – September 15
>
> Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center – September 16
>
> BMIFC member can get their tickets before the general public!
>
> BMIFC tickets will be available at www.starz.bz/bmifc or by calling 310.957.5788 on Monday, May 7 at 10 AM (Pacific Time).
>
> FRONT ROW MANILOW tickets will also be available only at www.FrontRowManilow.com.
>
> And…we are also offering Platinum packages for all of the dates listed above (except for Verona, NY)! Remember, proceeds from the Platinum packages go directly to the Manilow Music Project and include the following:
>
> -Front Row Seat.
> -Meet/Greet with Barry.
> -Photo with Barry.
> -Pre-Show Champagne Reception.
> -Souvenir Laminate.
> -A Memory of a Lifetime!
>
> Platinum packages will be available via www.starz.bz/manilowfund or by calling 310.957.5788.



If Barry still had a fan base like he did between 1974 and 1990. Then
I could see Barry doing meet and greets for free but he doesn't. Alot
of these fans going back to do platinums have high expectations. I'm
thinking some of these fans think their going to meet BARRY MANILOW
when in reality they end up meeting barry manilow. Because they've
built Barry up and when they get backstage they discover he's just a
normal guy and not their "Ultimate Mega Super Star Sex God" Try
telling others that Barry Manilow is just a normal guy which he is.
Oh no no no. They don't want to hear you say that. Sorry ladies but
he is just that a normal average guy. Not some "Ultimate Sex God."
Linda

[Brenda M]

On May 6, 9:52 pm, "shadowma...@gmail.com" <shadowma...@gmail.com>
wrote:

>
> If Barry still had a fan base like he did between 1974 and 1990. Then
> I could see Barry doing meet and greets for free but he doesn't.

See, I would have thought it would have been the opposite ... simple
economics, supply and demand. The more demand there was for his
attention, the higher the price should have been - right? Wouldn't
the demand have been higher when he was riding high atop the Billboard
Top Forty? So - shouldn't the price have been higher than "free"?

I'd think that now ... when he's not in his prime ... the price would
come down, not go up. Again ... I'm not saying he's worth less ...
but that's just how economics in the real world usually work.

Alot
> of these fans going back to do platinums have high expectations.

"High expectations" of what exactly?

Brenda

[Beanz]

On May 6, 7:52 pm, "shadowma...@gmail.com" <shadowma...@gmail.com>
wrote:

> On Friday, May 4, 2012 7:55:40 PM UTC-4, Suzan wrote:
> >http://www.facebook.com/barrymanilow
>
> > Here are the specifics:
>
> > More Manilow Concert Dates and Platinum Packages!
>
> > Pull out your calendar! We just confirmed some new concert dates!
>
> > Here are the specifics:
>
> > Verona, NY – Turning Stone Events Center – August 18
>
> > Reading, PA – Sovereign Center – September 6
>
> > Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena – September 7
>
> > Worcester, MA – DCU Center – September 14
>
> > Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena – September 15
>
> > Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center – September 16
>
> > BMIFC member can get their tickets before the general public!
>

> > BMIFC tickets will be available atwww.starz.bz/bmifcor by calling 310.957.5788 on Monday, May 7 at 10 AM (Pacific Time).

>
> > FRONT ROW MANILOW tickets will also be available only atwww.FrontRowManilow.com.
>
> > And…we are also offering Platinum packages for all of the dates listed above (except for Verona, NY)! Remember, proceeds from the Platinum packages go directly to the Manilow Music Project and include the following:
>
> > -Front Row Seat.
> > -Meet/Greet with Barry.
> > -Photo with Barry.
> > -Pre-Show Champagne Reception.
> > -Souvenir Laminate.
> > -A Memory of a Lifetime!
>

> > Platinum packages will be available viawww.starz.bz/manilowfundor by calling 310.957.5788.

> On Friday, May 4, 2012 7:55:40 PM UTC-4, Suzan wrote:
> >http://www.facebook.com/barrymanilow
>
> > Here are the specifics:
>
> > More Manilow Concert Dates and Platinum Packages!
>
> > Pull out your calendar! We just confirmed some new concert dates!
>
> > Here are the specifics:
>
> > Verona, NY – Turning Stone Events Center – August 18
>
> > Reading, PA – Sovereign Center – September 6
>
> > Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena – September 7
>
> > Worcester, MA – DCU Center – September 14
>
> > Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena – September 15
>
> > Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center – September 16
>
> > BMIFC member can get their tickets before the general public!
>

> > BMIFC tickets will be available atwww.starz.bz/bmifcor by calling 310.957.5788 on Monday, May 7 at 10 AM (Pacific Time).

>
> > FRONT ROW MANILOW tickets will also be available only atwww.FrontRowManilow.com.
>
> > And…we are also offering Platinum packages for all of the dates listed above (except for Verona, NY)! Remember, proceeds from the Platinum packages go directly to the Manilow Music Project and include the following:
>
> > -Front Row Seat.
> > -Meet/Greet with Barry.
> > -Photo with Barry.
> > -Pre-Show Champagne Reception.
> > -Souvenir Laminate.
> > -A Memory of a Lifetime!
>

> > Platinum packages will be available viawww.starz.bz/manilowfundor by calling 310.957.5788.

>
> If Barry still had a fan base like he did between 1974 and 1990. Then
> I could see Barry doing meet and greets for free but he doesn't. Alot
> of these fans going back to do platinums have high expectations. I'm
> thinking some of these fans think their going to meet BARRY MANILOW
> when in reality they end up meeting barry manilow. Because they've
> built Barry up and when they get backstage they discover he's just a
> normal guy and not their "Ultimate Mega Super Star Sex God" Try
> telling others that Barry Manilow is just a normal guy which he is.
> Oh no no no. They don't want to hear you say that. Sorry ladies but
> he is just that a normal average guy. Not some "Ultimate Sex God."
> Linda

I've always considered Barry Manilow to be just a regular guy. What
unnerves me the most is when he attends special public affairs and his
fans don't have the dignity or the class or just plain manners to
leave the guy alone and let him enjoy his evening with his friends. It
must be a horror to attend such functions and there they are, the
same old faces he sees at these events that he sees in his audience.
UGH!! What's worse is these fans become all unglued and start crying,
and carrying on about how his music....etc etc something he hears time
and time again. How embarrassing can that be for a man (any man
really) with on-lookers and friends around.

I say, when Barry is at home, on his own turf, leave the man the ef
alone. Barry has these platinums for a reason, if you want to meet
the man, then pay the price as everyone else does.

[Robinann]

On May 6, 6:52 pm, "shadowma...@gmail.com" <shadowma...@gmail.com>
wrote:

> On Friday, May 4, 2012 7:55:40 PM UTC-4, Suzan wrote:
> >http://www.facebook.com/barrymanilow
>
> > Here are the specifics:
>
> > More Manilow Concert Dates and Platinum Packages!
>
> > Pull out your calendar! We just confirmed some new concert dates!
>
> > Here are the specifics:
>
> > Verona, NY – Turning Stone Events Center – August 18
>
> > Reading, PA – Sovereign Center – September 6
>
> > Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena – September 7
>
> > Worcester, MA – DCU Center – September 14
>
> > Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena – September 15
>
> > Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center – September 16
>
> > BMIFC member can get their tickets before the general public!
>

> > BMIFC tickets will be available atwww.starz.bz/bmifcor by calling 310.957.5788 on Monday, May 7 at 10 AM (Pacific Time).

>
> > FRONT ROW MANILOW tickets will also be available only atwww.FrontRowManilow.com.
>
> > And…we are also offering Platinum packages for all of the dates listed above (except for Verona, NY)! Remember, proceeds from the Platinum packages go directly to the Manilow Music Project and include the following:
>
> > -Front Row Seat.
> > -Meet/Greet with Barry.
> > -Photo with Barry.
> > -Pre-Show Champagne Reception.
> > -Souvenir Laminate.
> > -A Memory of a Lifetime!
>

> > Platinum packages will be available viawww.starz.bz/manilowfundor by calling 310.957.5788.

> On Friday, May 4, 2012 7:55:40 PM UTC-4, Suzan wrote:
> >http://www.facebook.com/barrymanilow
>
> > Here are the specifics:
>
> > More Manilow Concert Dates and Platinum Packages!
>
> > Pull out your calendar! We just confirmed some new concert dates!
>
> > Here are the specifics:
>
> > Verona, NY – Turning Stone Events Center – August 18
>
> > Reading, PA – Sovereign Center – September 6
>
> > Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena – September 7
>
> > Worcester, MA – DCU Center – September 14
>
> > Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena – September 15
>
> > Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center – September 16
>
> > BMIFC member can get their tickets before the general public!
>

> > BMIFC tickets will be available atwww.starz.bz/bmifcor by calling 310.957.5788 on Monday, May 7 at 10 AM (Pacific Time).

>
> > FRONT ROW MANILOW tickets will also be available only atwww.FrontRowManilow.com.
>
> > And…we are also offering Platinum packages for all of the dates listed above (except for Verona, NY)! Remember, proceeds from the Platinum packages go directly to the Manilow Music Project and include the following:
>
> > -Front Row Seat.
> > -Meet/Greet with Barry.
> > -Photo with Barry.
> > -Pre-Show Champagne Reception.
> > -Souvenir Laminate.
> > -A Memory of a Lifetime!
>

> > Platinum packages will be available viawww.starz.bz/manilowfundor by calling 310.957.5788.

>
> If Barry still had a fan base like he did between 1974 and 1990. Then
> I could see Barry doing meet and greets for free but he doesn't. Alot
> of these fans going back to do platinums have high expectations. I'm
> thinking some of these fans think their going to meet BARRY MANILOW
> when in reality they end up meeting barry manilow. Because they've
> built Barry up and when they get backstage they discover he's just a
> normal guy and not their "Ultimate Mega Super Star Sex God" Try
> telling others that Barry Manilow is just a normal guy which he is.
> Oh no no no. They don't want to hear you say that. Sorry ladies but
> he is just that a normal average guy. Not some "Ultimate Sex God."

> Linda- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

In both Platinums, what came across to me was how down to earth he
was. He seemed genuinely interested in my girlfriends and I and how we
met. When I went in by myself, we talked about different things to do
in Las Vegas and places to go. My girlfriends and I didn't hang on to
him, didn't giggle, cry, or try to grab him. I always said I'd love to
spend the day with him and talk.

[granny...@pandora.be]

On May 7, 5:23 am, Robinann <robindel2...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On May 6, 6:52 pm, "shadowma...@gmail.com" <shadowma...@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Friday, May 4, 2012 7:55:40 PM UTC-4, Suzan wrote:
> > >http://www.facebook.com/barrymanilow
>
> > > Here are the specifics:
>
> > > More Manilow Concert Dates and Platinum Packages!
>
> > > Pull out your calendar! We just confirmed some new concert dates!
>
> > > Here are the specifics:
>
> > > Verona, NY – Turning Stone Events Center – August 18
>
> > > Reading, PA – Sovereign Center – September 6
>
> > > Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena – September 7
>
> > > Worcester, MA – DCU Center – September 14
>
> > > Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena – September 15
>
> > > Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center – September 16
>
> > > BMIFC member can get their tickets before the general public!
>

> > > BMIFC tickets will be available atwww.starz.bz/bmifcorby calling 310.957.5788 on Monday, May 7 at 10 AM (Pacific Time).

>
> > > FRONT ROW MANILOW tickets will also be available only atwww.FrontRowManilow.com.
>
> > > And…we are also offering Platinum packages for all of the dates listed above (except for Verona, NY)! Remember, proceeds from the Platinum packages go directly to the Manilow Music Project and include the following:
>
> > > -Front Row Seat.
> > > -Meet/Greet with Barry.
> > > -Photo with Barry.
> > > -Pre-Show Champagne Reception.
> > > -Souvenir Laminate.
> > > -A Memory of a Lifetime!
>

> > > Platinum packages will be available viawww.starz.bz/manilowfundorby calling 310.957.5788.

> > On Friday, May 4, 2012 7:55:40 PM UTC-4, Suzan wrote:
> > >http://www.facebook.com/barrymanilow
>
> > > Here are the specifics:
>
> > > More Manilow Concert Dates and Platinum Packages!
>
> > > Pull out your calendar! We just confirmed some new concert dates!
>
> > > Here are the specifics:
>
> > > Verona, NY – Turning Stone Events Center – August 18
>
> > > Reading, PA – Sovereign Center – September 6
>
> > > Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena – September 7
>
> > > Worcester, MA – DCU Center – September 14
>
> > > Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena – September 15
>
> > > Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center – September 16
>
> > > BMIFC member can get their tickets before the general public!
>

> > > BMIFC tickets will be available atwww.starz.bz/bmifcorby calling 310.957.5788 on Monday, May 7 at 10 AM (Pacific Time).

>
> > > FRONT ROW MANILOW tickets will also be available only atwww.FrontRowManilow.com.
>
> > > And…we are also offering Platinum packages for all of the dates listed above (except for Verona, NY)! Remember, proceeds from the Platinum packages go directly to the Manilow Music Project and include the following:
>
> > > -Front Row Seat.
> > > -Meet/Greet with Barry.
> > > -Photo with Barry.
> > > -Pre-Show Champagne Reception.
> > > -Souvenir Laminate.
> > > -A Memory of a Lifetime!
>

> > > Platinum packages will be available viawww.starz.bz/manilowfundorby calling 310.957.5788.

>
> > If Barry still had a fan base like he did between 1974 and 1990. Then
> > I could see Barry doing meet and greets for free but he doesn't. Alot
> > of these fans going back to do platinums have high expectations. I'm
> > thinking some of these fans think their going to meet BARRY MANILOW
> > when in reality they end up meeting barry manilow. Because they've
> > built Barry up and when they get backstage they discover he's just a
> > normal guy and not their "Ultimate Mega Super Star Sex God" Try
> > telling others that Barry Manilow is just a normal guy which he is.
> > Oh no no no. They don't want to hear you say that. Sorry ladies but
> > he is just that a normal average guy. Not some "Ultimate Sex God."
> > Linda- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> In both Platinums, what came across to me was how down to earth he
> was. He seemed genuinely interested in my girlfriends and I and how we
> met. When I went in by myself, we talked about different things to do
> in Las Vegas and places to go. My girlfriends and I didn't hang on to
> him, didn't giggle, cry, or try to grab him. I always said I'd love to
> spend the day with him and talk.

That's the same feeling I had Robin, when I did my platinum,
that he is geniuiely interested in what I had to say, and it wasn't
about "Oh Barry I love you and I worship the ground you are walkin'
on" but about how I felt and about the "Antwerp" diamonds" ;-)) ! Of
course we we talked about music, who wouldn't but we had a normal
conversation beween two ordinary people !
Jeannine

[shado...@gmail.com]

On Friday, May 4, 2012 7:55:40 PM UTC-4, Suzan wrote:
> http://www.facebook.com/barrymanilow
>
> Here are the specifics:
>
> More Manilow Concert Dates and Platinum Packages!
>
> Pull out your calendar! We just confirmed some new concert dates!
>
> Here are the specifics:
>
> Verona, NY – Turning Stone Events Center – August 18
>
> Reading, PA – Sovereign Center – September 6
>
> Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena – September 7
>
> Worcester, MA – DCU Center – September 14
>
> Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena – September 15
>
> Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center – September 16
>
> BMIFC member can get their tickets before the general public!
>

> BMIFC tickets will be available at www.starz.bz/bmifc or by calling 310.957.5788 on Monday, May 7 at 10 AM (Pacific Time).

>
> FRONT ROW MANILOW tickets will also be available only at www.FrontRowManilow.com.
>
> And…we are also offering Platinum packages for all of the dates listed above (except for Verona, NY)! Remember, proceeds from the Platinum packages go directly to the Manilow Music Project and include the following:
>
> -Front Row Seat.
> -Meet/Greet with Barry.
> -Photo with Barry.
> -Pre-Show Champagne Reception.
> -Souvenir Laminate.
> -A Memory of a Lifetime!
>

> Platinum packages will be available via www.starz.bz/manilowfund or by calling 310.957.5788.

High Expectations is when you expect something or someone to be a
certain way and the something or someone turns out not be what you
expected. OK a lot of fans see BARRY as this "Ultimate Super Mega
Star Sex God." So when they do their platinum that's who their
expecting to meet. They go backstage and instead they meet this
regular guy named Barry. In other words the Barry they meet is
not the BARRY they expected to meet. Strip off the show clothes
and makeup. Put on the clothes from the bedroom closet and you've
got just a regular guy standing there. In Barry's case he has on
his show clothes and he's hoping fans will treat him like a regular
guy. Some do some don't. Remember the "Oh MY God your _____________
fill in the blank with your favorite entertainer. I can't believe it's
really you." Fans who freak out when they see their favorite celebrity.
Linda

[Lorrie]

On May 4, 9:20 pm, Brenda M <bmesku...@aol.com> wrote:
> On May 4, 9:27 pm, starns0...@earthlink.net wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Friday, May 4, 2012 5:57:33 PM UTC-7, Brenda M wrote:
> > > More platinums (groan!)
>
> > > Just once ... Once before I die ... could I see a hotline message
> > > offering backstage meet and greets FOR FREE?
>
> > > You know - like - meet the fans just to be nice?
>
> > > Like he sometimes used to do?  Back in the old days?
>
> > > I'm sorry ...
>
> > > Sometimes this whole "pay for love" thing just makes me so sad.
>
> > > Thanks for letting me vent.
>
> > > Brenda
>
> > How would they choose, Brenda? Lottery? Age? Looks? Every fan on the planet would want to do it, and the backlash from those that didn't get chosen would be huge, you can bet on it. There'd be rumors of "lottery fixing" or whatever.
> > I understand your sentiment though.

> > CA Sharon
>
> In the past, that's what he did.  He met fans for free.
> And yes, other fans who got left out bitched (and I was certainly a
> member of that club a time or two!).
>
> And life went on.
>
> Now ...the rich get to waltz backstage multiple times.
> And other (poorer) fans who are permanently left out...yep...they
> still bitch.
>
> Bottom line:  TPTB didn't care about the "backlash" then, and I'd bet
> they still don't.
>
> But the beat goes on.
>
>   :-)
>
> Brenda

I agree with you Brenda it would be nice to have a meet and greet for
" Free'
I for one will never be able to pay for a platinum..there could be a
way this could happen
And you are right he has enough money..The platinums go for charity I
know but still not all of us can afford that price
we could still give money for his charity right?

[Lorrie]

On May 4, 8:56 pm, Kittenmommy <kittenmo...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On May 4, 9:27 pm, starns0...@earthlink.net wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Friday, May 4, 2012 5:57:33 PM UTC-7, Brenda M wrote:
> > > More platinums (groan!)
>
> > > Just once ... Once before I die ... could I see a hotline message
> > > offering backstage meet and greets FOR FREE?
>
> > > You know - like - meet the fans just to be nice?
>
> > > Like he sometimes used to do?  Back in the old days?
>
> > > I'm sorry ...
>
> > > Sometimes this whole "pay for love" thing just makes me so sad.
>
> > > Thanks for letting me vent.
>
> > > Brenda
>
> > How would they choose, Brenda? Lottery? Age? Looks? Every fan on the planet would want to do it, and the backlash from those that didn't get chosen would be huge, you can bet on it. There'd be rumors of "lottery fixing" or whatever.
> > I understand your sentiment though.
>

> For a while during the '80s, you could meet Aerosmith just by showing
> up at their concert with some canned food for the homeless (which I
> think is pretty awesome, BTW).  I suspect that this quickly became
> unmanageable.

Now that was a good idea in order to meet Aerosmith

[Lorrie]

On May 4, 9:23 pm, Brenda M <bmesku...@aol.com> wrote:

> I think I met Rick Springfield for fifty dollars.
>
> All of us who bought the meet-and-greet package (there was about a
> hundred of us) got to hang around after the show and then we all lined
> up.  If your friend wanted to take your photo with Rick, that was
> allowed.
>
> Best fifty bucks I ever spent!
>
> Brenda

50 bucks is a reasonable price .That had to be fun to meet Him

[Beanz]

On May 7, 10:40 am, "shadowma...@gmail.com" <shadowma...@gmail.com>
wrote:

> On Friday, May 4, 2012 7:55:40 PM UTC-4, Suzan wrote:
> >http://www.facebook.com/barrymanilow
>
> > Here are the specifics:
>
> > More Manilow Concert Dates and Platinum Packages!
>
> > Pull out your calendar! We just confirmed some new concert dates!
>
> > Here are the specifics:
>
> > Verona, NY – Turning Stone Events Center – August 18
>
> > Reading, PA – Sovereign Center – September 6
>
> > Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena – September 7
>
> > Worcester, MA – DCU Center – September 14
>
> > Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena – September 15
>
> > Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center – September 16
>
> > BMIFC member can get their tickets before the general public!
>

> > BMIFC tickets will be available atwww.starz.bz/bmifcor by calling 310.957.5788 on Monday, May 7 at 10 AM (Pacific Time).

>
> > FRONT ROW MANILOW tickets will also be available only atwww.FrontRowManilow.com.
>
> > And…we are also offering Platinum packages for all of the dates listed above (except for Verona, NY)! Remember, proceeds from the Platinum packages go directly to the Manilow Music Project and include the following:
>
> > -Front Row Seat.
> > -Meet/Greet with Barry.
> > -Photo with Barry.
> > -Pre-Show Champagne Reception.
> > -Souvenir Laminate.
> > -A Memory of a Lifetime!
>

> > Platinum packages will be available viawww.starz.bz/manilowfundor by calling 310.957.5788.

>
> High Expectations is when you expect something or someone to be a
> certain way and the something or someone turns out not be what you
> expected. OK a lot of fans see BARRY as this "Ultimate Super Mega
> Star Sex God." So when they do their platinum that's who their
> expecting to meet. They go backstage and instead they meet this
> regular guy named Barry. In other words the Barry they meet is
> not the BARRY they expected to meet. Strip off the show clothes
> and makeup. Put on the clothes from the bedroom closet and you've
> got just a regular guy standing there. In Barry's case he has on
> his show clothes and he's hoping fans will treat him like a regular
> guy. Some do some don't. Remember the "Oh MY God your _____________
> fill in the blank with your favorite entertainer. I can't believe it's
> really you." Fans who freak out when they see their favorite celebrity.
> Linda

I'm sure quite a few of them would like to strip off Barry's show
clothes. :O) lol

If I met Barry I would want the real Barry, no fancy clothes, no make-
up, just a nice "pleased to meet you", a handshake then toodles.
Maybe a somewhere down the road we'll meet again. No picture, no
champaign (:P) an ice cold coke would be nice though instead of water
(:P).

Hey that could be it, a line up, shake of the hand and ciao! A few
hundred bucks for the privilage. Overall they could rake in more
bucks with that.

[Lorrie]

On May 4, 10:22 pm, Kittenmommy <kittenmo...@yahoo.com> wrote:

> On May 4, 10:23 pm, Brenda M <bmesku...@aol.com> wrote:
>
> > I think I met Rick Springfield for fifty dollars.
>
> > All of us who bought the meet-and-greet package (there was about a
> > hundred of us) got to hang around after the show and then we all lined
> > up.  If your friend wanted to take your photo with Rick, that was
> > allowed.
>
> > Best fifty bucks I ever spent!
>

> I met Rick Springfield for free.  It was in a hotel swimming pool.
>
> OK, wow, that really sounds bad.
>
> It wasn't like *that*; we were both swimming in the pool.  I didn't
> even know who he was; we had a long conversation about Australia (he
> was the first person I've ever met from there).  And we played "Marco
> Polo" in the pool, LOL.
>
> Exciting, right?

That sounds fantastic! Plus playing in the pool with him too

[Brenda M]

Lorrie wrote:
>
> I agree with you Brenda it would be nice to have a meet and greet for
> " Free'
> I for one will never be able to pay for a platinum..there could be a
> way this could happen
> And you are right he has enough money..The platinums go for charity I
> know but still not all of us can afford that price
> we could still give money for his charity right?

Just to be clear, I never said anything about Barry "having enough
money."

I am confident every dime raised through the platinums goes to the
charity as promised.

Brenda

[Beanz]

Actually, Barry himself said he had enough money.

[Lorrie]

and so it goes..

[Lorrie]

sorry i may have mis quoted you Brenda
did not mean to do that

[shado...@gmail.com]

On Friday, May 4, 2012 7:55:40 PM UTC-4, Suzan wrote:
> http://www.facebook.com/barrymanilow
>
> Here are the specifics:
>
> More Manilow Concert Dates and Platinum Packages!
>
> Pull out your calendar! We just confirmed some new concert dates!
>
> Here are the specifics:
>
> Verona, NY – Turning Stone Events Center – August 18
>
> Reading, PA – Sovereign Center – September 6
>
> Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena – September 7
>
> Worcester, MA – DCU Center – September 14
>
> Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena – September 15
>
> Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center – September 16
>
> BMIFC member can get their tickets before the general public!
>

> BMIFC tickets will be available at www.starz.bz/bmifc or by calling 310.957.5788 on Monday, May 7 at 10 AM (Pacific Time).

>
> FRONT ROW MANILOW tickets will also be available only at www.FrontRowManilow.com.
>
> And…we are also offering Platinum packages for all of the dates listed above (except for Verona, NY)! Remember, proceeds from the Platinum packages go directly to the Manilow Music Project and include the following:
>
> -Front Row Seat.
> -Meet/Greet with Barry.
> -Photo with Barry.
> -Pre-Show Champagne Reception.
> -Souvenir Laminate.
> -A Memory of a Lifetime!
>

> Platinum packages will be available via www.starz.bz/manilowfund or by calling 310.957.5788.

I got my Pittsburgh ticket. I'm in Section 1 Row B Seat 8. The
ticket was 129.99, extra charges was 15.00 subtotal 144.99, plus
6.00 for shipping for a grand total of 150.99. I went in at exactly
1pm eastern time. I checked all three sections and best available.
Section 2 seat was in row F. My seat came from best available. The
show starts at 7:30PM So I wonder when platinums will begin before
or after the show. Then I'd really like to know is the price of the
platinums and how many fans per venue will get to go back and meet
him. I hope not to many.
Linda

[marvin]

On May 7, 5:10 pm, "shadowma...@gmail.com" <shadowma...@gmail.com>
wrote:

> On Friday, May 4, 2012 7:55:40 PM UTC-4, Suzan wrote:
> >http://www.facebook.com/barrymanilow
>
> > Here are the specifics:
>
> > More Manilow Concert Dates and Platinum Packages!
>
> > Pull out your calendar! We just confirmed some new concert dates!
>
> > Here are the specifics:
>
> > Verona, NY – Turning Stone Events Center – August 18
>
> > Reading, PA – Sovereign Center – September 6
>
> > Rochester, NY – Blue Cross Arena – September 7
>
> > Worcester, MA – DCU Center – September 14
>
> > Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena – September 15
>
> > Pittsburgh, PA – Consol Energy Center – September 16
>
> > BMIFC member can get their tickets before the general public!
>

> > BMIFC tickets will be available atwww.starz.bz/bmifcor by calling 310.957.5788 on Monday, May 7 at 10 AM (Pacific Time).

>
> > FRONT ROW MANILOW tickets will also be available only atwww.FrontRowManilow.com.
>
> > And…we are also offering Platinum packages for all of the dates listed above (except for Verona, NY)! Remember, proceeds from the Platinum packages go directly to the Manilow Music Project and include the following:
>
> > -Front Row Seat.
> > -Meet/Greet with Barry.
> > -Photo with Barry.
> > -Pre-Show Champagne Reception.
> > -Souvenir Laminate.
> > -A Memory of a Lifetime!
>

> > Platinum packages will be available viawww.starz.bz/manilowfundor by calling 310.957.5788.

>
> I got my Pittsburgh ticket. I'm in Section 1 Row B Seat 8. The
> ticket was 129.99, extra charges was 15.00 subtotal 144.99,  plus
> 6.00 for shipping for a grand total of 150.99. I went in at exactly
> 1pm eastern time. I checked all three sections and best available.
> Section 2 seat was in row F. My seat came from best available. The
> show starts at 7:30PM So I wonder when platinums will begin before
> or after the show. Then I'd really like to know is the price of the
> platinums and how many fans per venue will get to go back and meet
> him. I hope not to many.
> Linda

I hope that platinums would begin after the show is over as
opposed to before the show begins.
I think for both Barry and fans, it is better to meet him after
the show than before the show. Barry gets feedback from you abut the
show by meeting after the concert and the fans get to tell Barry what
they liked most about the show as well. By having the platinums before
the show, neither Barry or the fans can talk about the concert. Marvin

[dcsharon]

On May 7, 6:22 pm, marvin <marv...@gmail.com> wrote:

>     I hope that platinums would begin after the show is over as
> opposed to before the show begins.

I seriously doubt that will happen. But maybe if you buy one, they
will consider your suggestion.

>     I think for both Barry and fans, it is better to meet him after
> the show than before the show.

IF (and it's a BIG IF) I was going to do a platinum, waiting until the
show was over would be nerve wracking. I'm sure some have done it --
but I would be concentrating on the event AFTER the show, vs. paying
attention to the concert at hand.

Barry gets feedback from you abut the
> show by meeting after the concert and the fans get to tell Barry what
> they liked most about the show as well. By having the platinums before
> the show, neither Barry or the fans can talk about the concert. Marvin

If he does them before the show, there is a specific time limit that
has to be kept to and you're done with the "meet and greet" and can
relax.

IF (again a BIG IF) I was going to do a platinum, I don't want to talk
about the show. I want to tell him everything I've always wanted to
say (in 5 minutes or less!) and none of it would have anything to do
with the show.

I can almost guarantee you of that!!

(DC) Sharon

[Brenda M]

Just a wild theory, but I'm willing to bet that Barry prefers meeting
people before the show because he's not sweaty and exhausted.

I mean, wouldn't you rather meet people when you know you look great?
I sure would.

Brenda

[Kittenmommy]

Right?? LOL

[Kittenmommy]

On May 6, 9:07 pm, Beanz <berrid...@yahoo.ca> wrote:

> For every celbrity I have met, I never spent a scent.  Not 1 thyn dyme.

Are you drunk? LOL

[Kittenmommy]

LOL, it was *their* idea, not mine!

And no, I didn't meet them.

[Kittenmommy]

LOL, right?

[Kittenmommy]

On May 7, 12:40 pm, "shadowma...@gmail.com" <shadowma...@gmail.com>
wrote:

>Strip off the show clothes
> and makeup.

I'm almost certain you'd have to pay extra for that.

*ducking and running away*

[Kittenmommy]

On May 7, 7:57 pm, dcsharon <dcsha...@aol.com> wrote:
> On May 7, 6:22 pm, marvin <marv...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >     I hope that platinums would begin after the show is over as
> > opposed to before the show begins.
>
> I seriously doubt that will happen.   But maybe if you buy one, they
> will consider your suggestion.

*chokes on wine*

[Kittenmommy]

On May 6, 6:46 pm, Kittenmommy <kittenmo...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On May 6, 12:39 pm, bookworm <jnnwlk...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > That should be DESSERT bar. Duh........
>
> I just figured they let you choose between the Gobi, Sahara, Death
> Valley, etc.. ;)

Wow. Google Groups was so impressed by this comment that it posted it
*three times*. D:

Weird!

[Kittenmommy]

On May 6, 11:04 pm, Beanz <berrid...@yahoo.ca> wrote:

> I've always considered Barry Manilow to be just a regular guy.  What
> unnerves me the most is when he attends special public affairs and his
> fans don't have the dignity or the class or just plain manners to
> leave the guy alone and let him enjoy his evening with his friends. It
> must be a horror to attend such functions and  there they are, the
> same old faces he sees at these events that he sees in his audience.

And he must know that they follow him around to these events.
Seriously, that's pretty stalker-ish behavior right there.

> UGH!! What's worse is these fans become all unglued and start crying,
> and carrying on about how his music....etc etc something he hears time
> and time again. How embarrassing can that be for a man (any man
> really) with on-lookers and friends around.

I can't even imagine.

[bookworm]

If you want to know, send an email to starz.bz and ask them or call the bmifc.

[bookworm]

Oh Marvin, where have you been? They used to do Platinums after the shows but it was too much because everyone was tired and some places it was midnight and they were still inside waiting to see Barry. They weren't finished by that time but they used to have a lot more people doing it on any given night than they do now.

Barry has to clean up and then leave to get to his next destination if there is one and people said he was tired.

Doing Platinums before the show is much better because everyone is fresh and it limits the amount of time since the show has to go on. Some shows have started a bit late because of Platinums running longer than expected so I'm sure that's why they have been limiting the number to 10 at a time. Maybe it depends on the number of seats in the first row center at the venues.

Most people that do Platinums have already seen the show more than once, especially in Vegas and Barry asks if you've seen the show but most talk is about other things, not just the shows.

Seems to me $1500 is a lot of money just to get maybe 5 minutes with him, if that much. I wonder why they raised it $500 from the amount at the beginning and people are getting less. Guess they think they can get whatever they ask and they're probably right but they have to consider the cost of everything else they offer in the package like the cost of the show ticket, the picture with him, etc. and whatever is left is profit and goes to the charity.

[Beanz]

For all you know I could have suffered a mini stroke that affected my
writing. Not everything has to do with booze you know. :O(

[marvin]

> >     I hope that platinums would begin after the show is over as
> > opposed to before the show begins.
> >     I think for both Barry and fans, it is better to meet him after
> > the show than before the show. Barry gets feedback from you abut the
> > show by meeting after the concert and the fans get to tell Barry what
> > they liked most about the show as well. By having the platinums before
> > the show, neither Barry or the fans can talk about the concert. Marvin
>
> Oh Marvin, where have you been? They used to do Platinums after the shows but it was too much because everyone was tired and some places it was midnight and they were still inside waiting to see Barry. They weren't finished by that time but they used to have a lot more people doing it on any given night than they do now.

Makes sense to do the platinums before the show bookworm. I forgot
that Barry only meets one person at a time so the time to do the
platinums is a lot different than the format of most performers to
have a meet and greet reception for 100 people or so following the
show that lasts usually 45 minutes to one hour. Barry needs a lot more
time, so it becomes very hard for a lot of fans to see Barry since the
platinums are only one person at time. Marvin
>

[Kittenmommy]

On May 8, 11:02 am, bookworm <jnnwlk...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Seems to me $1500 is a lot of money just to get maybe 5 minutes with him, if that much. I wonder why they raised it $500 from the amount at the beginning and people are getting less.

They probably raised the price thinking that they'd discourage more
people that way. Unfortunately, it backfired on them, as the people
who are willing to spend more to get less are probably the more... ah,
shall we say... *enthusiastic* fans. ;)

[Kittenmommy]

I hope you're in the hospital if you had a mini-stroke! D:

[bookworm]

They also do meet and greets with a group of people all at once and they are usually spnsored by PBS when doing their fundraisers, radio stations, other charites, etc. Friends of mine did a meet and greet this way by pledging a certain amount to PBS and they said it's not as nice as doing the Platinums because everyone lines up and gets about two seconds with Barry and they get a small picture with him while everyone is waiting in line behind them.

Personally, if I was going to pledge that kind of money, I'd rather spend a little more and get a one on one. I'm almost certain that doesn't include airfare, hotel room, food, etc. - the same as Platinum. So it's not cheap to do these either but it includes a show ticket but it could be anywhere in the theatre.

[Suzan]

I've been reading all these comments on platinums and decided to throw in my 2 cents. I should start by saying I have purchased one platinum in the past, and it was a great experience. I have considered doing it again, and can afford it. Right now I have no plans or desire to do another, but honestly, I wouldn't completely rule it out someday in the future.

It seems like a lot of the comments are based on assumptions or heresay. I'm reading how fans freak out or make fools of themselves, yet I've heard Barry and Garry say that everyone has behaved well. I read comments that suggest Barry dislikes doing these, but people who participated say he seems to enjoy the meetings almost as much as they do. I read complaints about people who purchase multiple platinums, preventing others from purchasing them, but I looked and there are still platinums available for purchase for all 5 upcoming shows where platinums are being offered. (I don't know how long they'll last, but obviously the multi-platinumers are not preventing anyone from attending). Also, the site still says each person can only buy one per year so no one is doing platinums every few months.

I agree that no one is purchasing multiple platinums only to donate to the MMP; however, in my case, the fact that it was for charity did tip the balance. Sure I did it to meet Barry, not to donate to MMP, but I would never have justified spending over $1000 if it did not benefit a charity. The MMP part did make it much easier for me.

In the "olden days", Barry still didn't meet many fans for free. Sure he invited a chosen few backstage, but I know several wonderful people who ran large, active fan clubs for over 20 years and never were invited back. The old system led to jealousy and hard feelings over who was invited and who wasn't. Plus, just like with multi-platinums, a few people managed to meet him over and over because they lived in the right cities or were in the right club or whatever. Unless you wanted to stalk him out at an airport or hotel lobby, or wait after the show and hope he stopped, there wasn't much chance to talk to him.

At least with the platinum system, it isn't "who you know" or other random criteria. You don't have to be "lucky" or "in the right place at the right time". Yeah, it's expensive, and some can afford it better than others, but I've known people with low incomes who saved for a long time (without missing any rent payments!) and finally purchased one. Sure, fans complain about the cost, but on the other hand, they also complain when fans try to catch him in public for free. At least this is safer and less disruptive to him.

Because Barry has not met regularly with fans like so many other performers, he's created (unintentionally or not) this demand for platinums. If you were a fan of any another performer for 30+ years, attending hundreds of concerts, dedicating thousands of hours to them....well of course they would know you, right? But Barry doesn't know I exist. I doubt he could pick me out of a line-up or recognize my name. We're complete strangers. So after so many years, I can understand why some fans want a minute of his time where he's actually talking to them and aware they exist.

But there are far too many people wanting 5 minutes apiece, so they came up with the platinums. It's not perfect, but it is a structured, comfortable environment for Barry, and it benefits a charity that is dear to his heart. No one is forced to buy one if they prefer to hope for a chance, free encounter. Overall it has worked out pretty well for all involved, especially all the students who have benefited through the MMP.

Suzan

[bookworm]

No one is talking about the people who do Platinum one or two times. As far as there being spaces available for these Platinums in the different cities, it's harder for people to do them and with this economy still not where it should be, people may be strapped for cash right now. Wait until the shows come up in a bigger city like Chicago and we'll see how fast the Platinum spaces are taken.

Yes, Susan there are people who are greedy, unfortunately, but they are the minority. We are well aware that most of us are not that way. I'm glad the bmifc is only allowing one a year. I would bet money if they didn't have restrictions, some would do it a lot more. It's true it's their money and they can do what they want but how many times is enough? I agree with Robinann about what do you have to say after so many times without being redundant? Some will say they have plenty to say. I agree with many others in feeling how many would actually just write a check for that price and mail it to the bmifc to contribute if it wasn't for meeting Barry? Yes, it's a nice fringe benefit and Barry does this to bring the money in. Hopefully, he is enjoying himself as he told us way back when he's been afraid to meet people because he feared they wouldn't like the real him - the stage presence isn't there and shouldn't be - so I hope he has gotten more comfortable with meeting his friends and realizes most of us are just people too. We shouldn't all be grouped into one category.......that "F" word comes to mind right now and I don't mean the 4-letter one.

And yes, there are those among us who will do anything to come up with the money, shirking responsibilities because seeing Barry at any price is all that matters. I'm sure, as someone else posted that this goes on in all fandoms but most of us aren't familiar with what goes on with them because we're not part of it.

I hope those that finally get to do Platinum for the first time really enjoy themselves and just be themselves. Barry isn't going to bite. lol There's no reason to be nervous and I hope they know what they want to say before they get in the room with him so they don't stand there stunned. He IS nice to look at up close, especially those eyes. jmho

Glad you enjoyed yours and if you do it again, have a great time. Please consider doing a write-up for us. :) Let us know if anything has changed.

[Brenda M]

On May 8, 5:50 pm, Suzan <suzan.obe...@gmail.com> wrote:
>

> I agree that no one is purchasing multiple platinums only to donate to the MMP; however, in my case, the fact that it was for charity did tip the balance.  Sure I did it to meet Barry, not to donate to MMP, but I would never have justified spending over $1000 if it did not benefit a charity.  The MMP part did make it much easier for me.

I applaud your honesty.

>
> In the "olden days", Barry still didn't meet many fans for free. Sure he invited a chosen few backstage, but I know several wonderful people who ran large, active fan clubs for over 20 years and never were invited back.

Me too. I was one of them! :-) But I knew many fans who were. And
my group would have been invited back if we had been in the right city
at the right time. In 1985, Barry was performing at Blossom Music
Center that July, so our club decorated backstage with a "Christmas in
July" theme. Nope, we weren't invited back (although Barry had met
every club until then). But later that summer, when we were in
Cincinnati, we were told by both Marc and Garry that they were
"looking for us" in Springfield, IL. (Why they thought we'd be at a
show two states away is still kind of a mystery).

But hey, some things just aren't meant to be. And I've had more than
my share of compensations over the years.

> The old system led to jealousy and hard feelings over who was invited and who wasn't.

Yeah, but the new system leads to jealousy and hard feelings because
those with enough income to blow on such entertainment can meet him;
if you're poor, you don't have even have a shot. I vastly prefer the
old system, thanks.

> Plus, just like with multi-platinums, a few people managed to meet him over and over because they lived in the right cities or were in the right club or whatever.

Gee ... you mean as in "Detroit" and "The Beagle-Bagels?" ROFLMAO.
(Yeah, I know all of you old-timers out there know exactly what I'm
talking about.)

>  Unless you wanted to stalk him out at an airport or hotel lobby, or wait after the show and hope he stopped, there wasn't much chance to talk to him.

The autograph lines were our only hope ... thank God there used to be
those. You could at least get to say hi to Barry if you could afford
the cost of an album or a book. When was the last time he did a
signing in the U.S.?

>
> At least with the platinum system, it isn't "who you know" or other random criteria.  You don't have to be "lucky" or "in the right place at the right time".

You just have to have money. Suzan, I'm glad you can afford
platinums ... but do you really get how much that price tag makes it
utterly impossible for some fans to ever meet him? What are they
supposed to do? They can't even hope to be in "the right time or
place."

>   Yeah, it's expensive, and some can afford it better than others, but I've known people with low incomes who saved for a long time (without missing any rent payments!) and finally purchased one.

I'm thrilled for them. I know people with low incomes who save for a
long time for stuff like a car to get to work in, or the chance to
move into a better apartment. Blowing $1500 on a platinum would be
frivolous even if they could save that amount of money.

>  Sure, fans complain about the cost, but on the other hand, they also complain when fans try to catch him in public for free. At least this is safer and less disruptive to him.

You can't use "fans complaining" in an argument for or against
anything because "fans complaining" is a constant in ANY scenario. We
both know that. Some fans somewhere will ALWAYS find a reason to
bitch. Nothing will ever change that ... so you have to disregard it
as completely meaningless in any situation you're analyzing.

>
> Because Barry has not met regularly with fans like so many other performers, he's created (unintentionally or not) this demand for platinums.  If you were a fan of any another performer for 30+ years, attending hundreds of concerts, dedicating thousands of hours to them....well of course they would know you, right?  But Barry doesn't know I exist.

I'm sure he does, Suzan. I'm pretty sure he reads this forum - so I'm
pretty sure he knows you "exist."

I doubt he could pick me out of a line-up or recognize my name.
 We're complete strangers.  So after so many years, I can understand
why some fans want a minute of his time where he's actually talking to
them and aware they exist.
>
> But there are far too many people wanting 5 minutes apiece, so they came up with the platinums. It's not perfect, but it is a structured, comfortable environment for Barry, and it benefits a charity that is dear to his heart.  No one is forced to buy one if they prefer to hope for a chance, free encounter.  Overall it has worked out pretty well for all involved, especially all the students who have benefited through the MMP.

It's good for the charity. Nobody's arguing that. And it's worked
well for a few fans. But for the many... face it, they're screwed.

Brenda

[Kittenmommy]

On May 8, 7:51 pm, Brenda M <bmesku...@aol.com> wrote:

> Me too.  I was one of them!  :-)   But I knew many fans who were.  And
> my group would have been invited back if we had been in the right city
> at the right time.  In 1985, Barry was performing at Blossom Music
> Center that July, so our club decorated backstage with a "Christmas in
> July" theme.

I was at that show... or one of them. Was there more than one? That
was my first Manilow concert... a friend called me at the last minute
with an extra ticket. We were in the pavilion, *very* close. Looking
back, I think she must have been a fan club member to have gotten
those seats. And she certainly seemed to know a lot about Barry, so
yeah.

It's a small world, right?? LOL

> You can't use "fans complaining" in an argument for or against
> anything because "fans complaining" is a constant in ANY scenario.

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/UnpleasableFanbase

[Kittenmommy]

On May 8, 7:06 pm, bookworm <jnnwlk...@gmail.com> wrote:

> And yes, there are those among us who will do anything to come up with the money, shirking responsibilities because seeing Barry at any price is all that matters. I'm sure, as someone else posted that this goes on in all fandoms but most of us aren't familiar with what goes on with them because we're not part of it.

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/LoonyFan

[dcsharon]

On May 8, 7:51 pm, Brenda M <bmesku...@aol.com> wrote:

> The autograph lines were our only hope ... thank God there used to be
> those.  You could at least get to say hi to Barry if you could afford
> the cost of an album or a book.  When was the last time he did a
> signing in the U.S.?

Last year, he did a signing at RCMH for "15 Minutes" and the tickets
for RCMH were available the same day.

It was wonderful to see him -- he looked great, and he was quite
friendly.

Did it cost me $1500? No.

But he answered 4 questions I threw at him as quickly as I could get
the words out.

There's always going to be the haves and have nots.

I'm not sure I want to spend a month's rent on a Platinum ... but
there might come a time when I will. I am glad the opportunity is
there (at least for now)

Do I miss the old days? Of course -- but we can't all be in the right

place at the right time.

Or live in Detroit.

(DC) Sharon

[Kittenmommy]

Oh, and this seems relevant to this discussion:
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/WhyFandomCantHaveNiceThings

[Suzan]

> Gee ... you mean as in "Detroit" and "The Beagle-Bagels?" ROFLMAO.
> (Yeah, I know all of you old-timers out there know exactly what I'm
> talking about.)

Then I guess I'm officially an oldtimer now! ;)

> The autograph lines were our only hope ... thank God there used to be
> those. You could at least get to say hi to Barry if you could afford
> the cost of an album or a book. When was the last time he did a
> signing in the U.S.?

New York, 15 Minutes! Also New York again a couple years before that, and I think again a few years before THAT. Several times in the UK too, both in the past few years.
However, for the rest the country, it's apparently the Manilow-free zone. I think the last signing in LA was in 1993--that's almost 20 years ago!

> You just have to have money. Suzan, I'm glad you can afford
> platinums ... but do you really get how much that price tag makes it
> utterly impossible for some fans to ever meet him?

I do...I even told him during my platinum that there were a lot of wonderful people who would love to do this but didn't have $1000! Of course you shouldn't spend money on a platinum if you need rent or food. It's obviously a frivolous expense. But if you're in the middle somewhere, and really want to do this, it's not impossible to save $20 a week for a year. Hard, of course, but not impossible.

Having to know or suck up to the right people, or be in the right city, club, whatever....that really is impossible for most people. We can't all go backstage--in fact, even when they started the platinums, there were too many and it was overwhelming for him (I got out of mine after 3 a.m.!) There's got to be a way to limit it. At least this way, you have an option to meet him.

It won't work for everyone, but I do think it's better than the old system. The club I was involved with wasn't "favored", and both the co-presidents have passed away without ever receiving an invitation. I still feel sad about that--they were such great ladies, and it would have meant so much to them.

Also, the platinums are unique in that you get one-on-one time. That's very different than a backstage party with 50 or 100 fans milling about, or even an album signing. I've done both and I guarantee, it's not the same. The fan club/Barry/whoever went to a lot of work to make it special and personal, and they succeeded. I know many friends who were invited back via the old system, and only two were ever truly alone with him for any period of time (separately).

[For those that don't think it's worth $1000, fine. You may still get lucky the old fashioned way. I genuinely wish you good luck. Personally, I'm not holding my breath waiting for my invitation.]

> You can't use "fans complaining" in an argument for or against
> anything because "fans complaining" is a constant in ANY scenario. We
> both know that. Some fans somewhere will ALWAYS find a reason to
> bitch.

No argument from me on that point!

> > But Barry doesn't know I exist.
> I'm sure he does, Suzan. I'm pretty sure he reads this forum - so I'm
> pretty sure he knows you "exist."

If so, it's just in the general sense that there are some fans out there. I'm not personally "known" in any way.
(Although it's his loss...I'm fabulous! LOL).

Suzan

[Kittenmommy]

On May 8, 10:26 pm, Suzan <suzan.obe...@gmail.com> wrote:

> I'm not personally "known" in any way.
> (Although it's his loss...I'm fabulous! LOL).

LOL! I feel the same!

Barry would be *lucky* to meet the amazing Kittenmommy! :D

[Brenda M]

Oops - completely forgot about that one! (What can I say - I'm old
and forgetful).

The signings have gotten rarer, but at least they're not entirely
exctinct.

Brenda

P.S. That happened last June, didn't it? Wow - I can't believe it's
been a
Whole year since "15 Mintues!". :-)

[Brenda M]

Suzan wrote:

> > > But Barry doesn't know I exist.
> > I'm sure he does, Suzan. I'm pretty sure he reads this forum - so I'm
> > pretty sure he knows you "exist."
>
> If so, it's just in the general sense that there are some fans out there. I'm not personally "known" in any way.
> (Although it's his loss...I'm fabulous! LOL).
>
> Suzan

Oh, he wouldn't know me if we passed in the street (although his
assistant might - Marc is supernaturally good when it comes to
remembering people).

But I think Barry probably has this mental picture of an annoying,
faceless fan who wears different name tags depending on who's annoying
him at present.

By now he probably imagines me with horns, a pitchfork and a really
big mouth. :-)

Brenda

[Kittenmommy]

On May 9, 2:03 am, Brenda M <bmesku...@aol.com> wrote:

> By now he probably imagines me with horns, a pitchfork and a really
> big mouth. :-)

OK, we really need fan art of that!

[marvin]

>
> Last year, he did a signing at RCMH for "15 Minutes" and the tickets
> for RCMH were available the same day.
>
> It was wonderful to see him -- he looked great, and he was quite
> friendly.
>
> Did it cost me $1500? No.
>
> But he answered 4 questions I threw at him as quickly as I could get
> the words out.
>
> There's always going to be the haves and have nots.
>
> I'm not sure I want to spend a month's rent on a Platinum ... but
> there might come a time when I will.  I am glad the opportunity is
> there (at least for now)
>
> Do I miss the old days? Of course -- but we can't all be in the right
> place at the right time.
>
> Or live in Detroit.
>
> (DC) Sharon

Hi Sharon,
Thank you for your eloquent post about meeting Barry and
congrats for getting those four questions of yours answered. Also, I
agree with you about not wanting to attack any fan who chooses to do a
platinum. I agree that it is an opportunity for Barry to say thank you
personally to each fan one at a time and if a fan wants to do this,
more power to you.
However, I am old fashioned guy and think that a old
fashioned show business tradition of meeting the audience to say thank
you after a show is a courtesy that is to be upheld. It is terribly
bad etiquette and insulting that a performer has to charge money to
talk with the audience for getting feedback after the show. There are
better ways of raising money for Barry's causes, such as a fund
raising concert. I don't like the abuse of a show business courtesy
becoming a paid privilege. Barbra Streisand- the greatest singer alive
to me- started this privileged business of charging fees to meet with
her and I deeply resent that she did this and other artists followed
her in doing so.
You and I are both fans of Michael Feinstein and know that
Michael is always gracious after shows and will do autograph signings
and talk with his audience as a courtesy to them without a fee.. If
you talk with Michael Feinstein about Gershwin, he will have a long
conversation with you.
Over the years of writing on and attending cultural arts
events, I met Marvin Hamlisch, Melissa Manchester, Lorna Luft, Joan
Rivers, Jackie Mason, Helen Hunt, the stars of "Jersey Boys", stars of
the NYC Ballet, Joshua Bell, Neil Sedaka, Frankie Avalon, Idina
Menzel, Linda Eder, etc. after shows and it wasn't only because I
write on the performers and hearing from them personally how much they
liked my articles.. The artists were also gracious to meet with
audience members as well for no fee for so many years. So why should I
pay to meet Barbra, Barry at shows when there are so many artists that
would not think of charging money to meet fans? Marvin

[Beanz]

Actually KittyMommy I wrote that in the form I did was because I knew
you would comment in some inane way to it. Really. I honestly just
took offense to you "correcting" someone's spelling/typo. I felt that
was very rude. This is a public forum, which may bring people to it
of all educational backgrounds, health backgrounds, social/economic
backgrounds. Who are you to judge someone's error in how they post?
This world is made of people of different dictions. For all we know
there could be someone posting on here who actually may have had a
stroke, had to relearn but for their love/respect for Barry they chose
to write something on here. It very well may be their ability to
write "perfectly" has been impaired. Who are you or anyone has a
right to correct them? Possibly shame and embarass them. From what I
know ALL are welcome on Alt. regardless whether they make typos or
spelling mistakes. One note I do want to make is that if a person
knows of someone who makes posts often anywhere, and one sees a change
in how they write when they post could be an indication that something
could be wrong going on.

It's rude and arrogant of you to correct people. If you wish to
correct people's dictions, then become an English teacher and work in
a school. I'm sure after awhile you'll tire of it.

[dcsharon]

On May 9, 10:15 am, marvin <marv...@gmail.com> wrote:

>          However, I am old fashioned guy and think that a old
> fashioned show business tradition of meeting the audience to say thank
> you after a show is a courtesy that is to be upheld.

I disagree to an extent. The ONLY thing the artist owes anyone is a
good show - meeting fans afterward is a bonus not afforded to many.
And there are several who don't meet fans after shows - Peter Noone,
The Bacon Brothers, David Foster, Chris Botti are some that have done
recent shows I've attended that had no meet and greet afterwards.

> It is terribly bad etiquette and insulting that a performer has to charge money to
> talk with the audience for getting feedback after the show.

Okay - lets look at this from a different perspective. Say Barry
plays a huge arena -- there's going to be any number of people that
would love to go back and say hello. Friends, family, record
executives, PR folks, journalists. Then fans ... there's no way that
he would be willing to meet that many people so the platinums allow
him to meet a specific number of fans and everyone (for the most part)
is happy. Am I happy that as a 30+ year fan (yep, I'm old) I have to
"pay" to meet a celebrity I admire? No. Will I do it? Probably as it
looks like lightning isn't going to strike and I'll have an
opportunity to say hello outside of a show. But - you never know.
I'm perpetually hopeful.

(snip to)

>         You and I are both fans of Michael Feinstein and know that
> Michael is always gracious after shows and will do autograph signings
> and talk with his audience as a courtesy to them without a fee.. If
> you talk with Michael Feinstein about Gershwin, he will have a long
> conversation with you.

I am invited backstag because I am a paying member of his fan club,
and it's a courtesy that is given to the members of the club.
Additionally, I make sure to send a thank you to his staff ... and I
give them whatever photos I take. I'm sure if it got overwhelming
that perk would go away. I am always thrilled to meet Michael, and he
is both gracious and charming. As he says, he wouldn't be anywhere
without us so he thanks US for coming! But -- I have supported his
career for years! [Side story - I went to see him in San Diego and
just as I got to the window the "Sold Out" sign was posted. I waited
a bit and someone from the box office came out and handed me a 4th row
seat - champagne seating no less - compliments of Mr. Feinstein". ] I
finally got to thank him (in person) for that ticket and even 'tho the
ticket was comped, I made sure to purhcase the value of the ticket in
Symphony Swag so I "paid it forward".

>          Over the years of writing on and attending cultural arts
> events, I met Marvin Hamlisch, Melissa Manchester, Lorna Luft, Joan
> Rivers, Jackie Mason, Helen Hunt, the stars of "Jersey Boys", stars of
> the NYC Ballet, Joshua Bell, Neil Sedaka, Frankie Avalon, Idina
> Menzel, Linda Eder, etc. after shows and it wasn't only because I
> write on the performers and hearing from them personally how much they
> liked my articles..

That is wonderful for you -- however, would you have gone to the same
shows if you weren't going as a journalist? Do you support their
careers other than just writing about them in purchasing CD's, or
supporting any of their causes?

The artists were also gracious to meet with
> audience members as well for no fee for so many years.

That trend seems to be fading. I wish it wasn't, but it seems like
artists just don't have the time as they are rushing from one place to
another.

> So why should I pay to meet Barbra, Barry at shows when there are so many artists that would not think of charging money to meet fans? Marvin

I guess again, there's a couple different ways to look at this --
obviously, you have received some sort of compensaton for your
articles, or you wouldn't write them. If the performers weren't
performing, you wouldn't have anything to write about.

If you're such a great fan of Barbra, and she's allowed you to make
money from her career - why not save up the the bucks and meet her? I
don't make any money from Manilow -- I don't write stories or books
about him that would afford me any kind of compensation. But if I
did ... and I received items free for doing it, I would probably find
some way to give something back.

Just my humble 2 cents with too much caffiene this morning. :-)

(DC) Sharon

[marvin]

Hi Sharon,
A well written replay and spoke with your head
and heart and thanks Sharon.
We agree on some things and disagree with
others, so let me comment on your comments with the preface Marvin as
we scroll won.

>
> >          However, I am old fashioned guy and think that a old
> > fashioned show business tradition of meeting the audience to say thank
> > you after a show is a courtesy that is to be upheld.
>
> I disagree to an extent.  The ONLY thing the artist owes anyone is a
> good show - meeting fans afterward is a bonus not afforded to many.
> And there are several who don't meet fans after shows - Peter Noone,
> The Bacon Brothers, David Foster, Chris Botti are some that have done
> recent shows I've attended that had no meet and greet afterwards.

Marvin: I know Sinatra and others said that an artist owes nothing
to anyone but a good show, but that is an outdated statement and in an
internet age, where public relations and courtesy is always important,
an artist has to do all he/she can to get sell outs and their careers
going. If all the artists you mentioned go out of their way to avoid
doing meet and greets, they will have short careers.

>
> > It is terribly bad etiquette and insulting that a performer has to charge money to
> > talk with the audience for getting feedback after the show.
>
> Okay - lets look at this from a different perspective.  Say Barry
> plays a huge arena -- there's going to be any number of people that
> would love to go back and say hello. Friends, family, record
> executives, PR folks, journalists.  Then fans ... there's no way that
> he would be willing to meet that many people so the platinums allow
> him to meet a specific number of fans and everyone (for the most part)
> is happy.  Am I happy that as a 30+ year fan (yep, I'm old) I have to
> "pay" to meet a celebrity I admire? No. Will I do it?  Probably as it
> looks like lightning isn't going to strike and I'll have an
> opportunity to say hello outside of a show.  But - you never know.
> I'm perpetually hopeful.

Marvin: Your points are valid Sharon. To be fair, Barry and
his staff make the platinums personable and memorable and it is
impossible for Barry to meet his audience, as his audience is bigger
than most performers. I just wish there was another way to meet fans
without it costing a high amount of money.

>
> (snip to)
>
> >         You and I are both fans of Michael Feinstein and know that
> > Michael is always gracious after shows and will do autograph signings
> > and talk with his audience as a courtesy to them without a fee.. If
> > you talk with Michael Feinstein about Gershwin, he will have a long
> > conversation with you.
>
> I am invited backstag because I am a paying member of his fan club,
> and it's a courtesy that is given to the members of the club.
> Additionally, I make sure to send a thank you to his staff ... and I
> give them whatever photos I take.  I'm sure if it got overwhelming
> that perk would go away. I am always thrilled to meet Michael, and he
> is both gracious and charming.  As he says, he wouldn't be anywhere
> without us so he thanks US for coming!  But -- I have supported his
> career for years!  [Side story - I went to see him in San Diego and
> just as I got to the window the "Sold Out" sign was posted.  I waited
> a bit and someone from the box office came out and handed me a 4th row
> seat  - champagne seating no less - compliments of Mr. Feinstein". ] I
> finally got to thank him (in person) for that ticket and even 'tho the
> ticket was comped, I made sure to purhcase the value of the ticket in
> Symphony Swag so I "paid it forward".

Marvin: Thanks for sharing this story with us- and what a classy
guy Michael Feinstein and his staff is for giving you the ticket when
the venue could have easily turned you away.

>
> >          Over the years of writing on and attending cultural arts
> > events, I met Marvin Hamlisch, Melissa Manchester, Lorna Luft, Joan
> > Rivers, Jackie Mason, Helen Hunt, the stars of "Jersey Boys", stars of
> > the NYC Ballet, Joshua Bell, Neil Sedaka, Frankie Avalon, Idina
> > Menzel, Linda Eder, etc. after shows and it wasn't only because I
> > write on the performers and hearing from them personally how much they
> > liked my articles..
>
> That is wonderful for you -- however, would you have gone to the same
> shows if you weren't going as a journalist?  Do you support their
> careers other than just writing about them in purchasing CD's, or
> supporting any of their causes?

Marvin: I pay to see shows of performers that I am not writing
about, such as Linda Eder.
I support breast cancer and ovarian cancer organizations- Barbra
and Melissa's causes- but less because of the celebrity endorsements
and more because my relatives died from breast and ovarian cancers.

>
> The artists were also gracious to meet with
>
> > audience members as well for no fee for so many years.
>
> That trend seems to be fading. I wish it wasn't, but it seems like
> artists just don't have the time as they are rushing from one place to
> another.

Marvin: Artists should never take their fans for granted and stop
the meet and greets, or they will have short careers.Let them make the
time for the meet and greets.

>
> > So why should I  pay to meet Barbra, Barry at shows when there are so many artists that would not think of charging money to meet fans? Marvin
>
> I guess again, there's a couple different ways to look at this --
> obviously, you have received some sort of compensaton for your
> articles, or you wouldn't write them. If the performers weren't
> performing, you wouldn't have anything to write about.
>
> If you're such a great fan of Barbra, and she's allowed you to make
> money from her career - why not save up the the bucks and meet her?  I
> don't make any money from Manilow -- I don't write stories or books
> about him that would afford me any kind of compensation.  But if I
> did ... and I received items free for doing it, I would probably find
> some way to give something back.

Marvin: I apologize if this sounds elitist, but I am doing the
artists a favor by writing on them to publicize their shows so readers
would know more about them. My editors and I are not obligated to give
free publicity to the artists. The artists benefit from my articles as
I do by seeing them perform. Many of the publicists that work for the
artists always invite me to their shows and to talk with the artists
because they need the publicity and it is all part of my business and
their business. There is never any shortage of topics for me to write
about, but I love writing on the cultural arts and most of the
performers I write about, so it is a win-win situation for both me and
the artists. It is an honor to have written the articles and getting
feedback from the artists about the articles..About saving enough
money to say hello to Barbra- well I don't charge Barbra or any other
artist to write on them, so why should they charge me or any other
audience member to meet with them?

>
> Just my humble 2 cents with too much caffiene this morning. :-)
>
> (DC) Sharon

I love your 2 cents and your words are worth a lot more. Marvin

[HD]

> Marvin: I apologize if this sounds elitist, but I am doing the
> artists a favor by writing on them to publicize their shows so readers

> would know more about them. .....

Marvin - I do not think that you sound elitist. Performers, just like companies or people, are trying to market themselves and want to get "free" press. They invite journalists to attend performances/exhibits, send CDs/promotional items, hold media nights, or extend invitations for interviews/meetings with the purpose of getting attention and publicity. Those who work in newspapers, publications, radio stations, TV stations get this all of the time. There's no need to apologize for doing your job. It's great that you receive their feedback. :)

[Brenda M]

marvin writes > (snip to)

> artists a favor by writing on them to publicize their shows so readers
> would know more about them. My editors and I are not obligated to give
> free publicity to the artists. The artists benefit from my articles as
> I do by seeing them perform. Many of the publicists that work for the
> artists always invite me to their shows and to talk with the artists
> because they need the publicity and it is all part of my business and
> their business.

I just wanted to point out that every fan who posts to some online
forum about
Barry - whether it's here, the Barrynet, wherever - is giving Manilow
free publicity.
It doesn't matter what anyone says half as much as the fact that we're
talking about him.

Look at this thread ... 96 posts later we're still talking about these
platinum packages.

It doesn't matter if every post is positive - what matters is that
there is a continuing dialogue. And everyday there's a new "platinum"
post, there's someone out there thinking,
"You know, maybe I should buy one."

What you do, Marvin, is important - but no more important than every
"journalist" here who keeps talking about Barry.

I just felt like pointing out how "fabulous" we all are (to use
Suzan's word).

Good job, everybody! :-)

Brenda

[KJM]

Sharon and Marvin, superb posts, I have so enjoyed reading both your points of view, and you have split me 50/50 down the middle on the points you discussed. Wonderful discussion, truly.

And I have come to a decision, despite some reservations for reasons I mentioned, if at any time the opportunity arises for me to ever do a Platinum, I am going to apply.