Looks Like We Made It!
I am a proud Fanilow -- a Barry Manilow fan! I know some of you are too, even if you are undercover. Barry and his songs have had a huge impact on my life.
We Made It Through The Rain
I was eight years old, and my brother Adam was 5 months old when our dad died of lung cancer. Money was scarce and my mom worked nights to support us. She stayed so strong, always with a positive attitude. Teaching us the value of hard work.
Over the years ahead, Barry started his rise up the charts. My mom loved his music, and you could always hear his records playing in our home. Me, my mom and my brother would sing the songs together. It was, and still is, our bond!
Could It Be Magic?
Fortunately, a few years later, my mom was fixed up with Dante Greco and they soon were married. Dante adopted me and my brother, and he had an amazing influence in our lives.
Dante was a banker, it was the 70s, and he and my mom went out to dinner with clients often, leaving me to babysit Adam. It wasn’t so bad — I perfected Kraft Mac and Cheese (still his favorite) and I turned up Barry’s records. Adam loved Barry so much that he and Wendy shared their first wedding dance to Weekend in New England.
Dante passed away in 1997. Again, Barry and his songs helped us get through.
Can’t Smile Without You
I first saw Barry at Ravinia in Highland Park on July 31st, 1975. From that point on, my mom, Adam and I went to every Barry concert we could. Between the three of us, we are close to 100 shows!
My college roommate was also a Fanilow. We played Barry music all the time. There is a common bond among Barry fans. Kind of like Deadheads. On second thought, maybe not.
It’s A Miracle
In January, Barry announced his 2024 “The Last Concerts” Tour. Nothing could stop us from going. Adam saw that there would be a limited number of platinum packages that included a meet-and-greet with Barry and first-row tickets.
The day tickets went on sale we were so nervous. But Adam is a technology consultant, and was armed and ready to go… It was first come, first serve, and... he scored! Three Platinum tickets! We decided that we would surprise my mom with the experience. We told her we had good seats and early access. Adam had a “Bess Loves Barry” shirt made for her.
This One’s For You
On the day of the concert, we went through a special entrance and were greeted by Barry’s staff. We were taken to a separate room for champagne, and of course Barry’s songs were being played.
Still my mom had no clue what was about to happen!
The host announced, "Who is excited to meet Barry? My mom thought “meet” meant seeing him from a close seat. My brother and I explained. She was in disbelief, and tears filled her eyes.
Then it was time. Rule #1: No hugging Barry.
We were escorted into Barry's room, and of course the first thing my mom did was open her arms to give Barry a hug. I started to say, Mom, no... but Barry lifted his hands and gave my mom a warm, beautiful embrace. We told him how much his music meant to us and helped get us through tough times. I think I saw a tear in Barry’s eyes. Well, certainly there was one in mine! My mom’s too.
As we left the room, we were speechless. That’s right, Shari Greco Reiches was unable to say anything.
We were led to our first-row seats (with our names on them!). I have never been in the first row for anything. It was as if Barry was singing just to us. We knew every song, belted out every word, and swayed, danced and cried together.
A night to be remembered!
Yes, the experience was expensive, but how can I put a price on being there with my mom and brother? And Barry Manilow. It was one of the greatest nights of my life.
Even Now
If you have a bucket list item, what are you waiting for? Maximize your return on life and go for it. And please, let me know what it was. I love hearing your stories.
Shari Greco Reiches