It wasn't too long ago that I was jumping on planes and heading to Vegas, and elsewhere, to see Barry Manilow perform. But my life has changed in the last year and those frequent trips have come to a screeching halt. Next week, and next month, some of my friends will be hopping on planes to head out to Vegas and this time, I won't be joining any of them. It's hard to stay amped up about the shows and related events when you feel so far removed from the excitement. I sympathize with all those who have never been fortunate enough to see him perform live and I understand how difficult it must be to read and hear about other fans' experiences, all the while wishing you could be fortunate enough to participate as well. But all you can do is live vicariously through others and if you're lucky draw from past memories.
And boy, do I have the memories. I'm blessed in that respect. I've made some amazing friends, had some wonderful experiences, traveled around the country and experienced many different concert venues. I've shared some special moments and witnessed my friends have moments of their own. It's been an amazing ride.
This month and next, I'll be reading the reviews and talking to my friends while they are having the time of their lives in Vegas. If they manage to make it to Atlantic City, I'll be remembering the trip I took there to see Barry right after his surgery and the day we spent there after the Philadelphia concert walking on the boardwalk. Lately, it's the memories, and living vicariously, that keep me going and hanging on to the edge of fandom.
I've been a little preoccupied lately with life. My daughter is pregnant with my first grandchild. There is nothing more important than participating in this wonderfully exciting event. And I've had some health decisions that have been weighing heavy on my mind. I've been working my ass off establishing myself in a new market. Suffice it to say that the Manilow world has been the last thing on my mind.
But I spent some time browsing around the usual fan sites tonight and found that I've missed quite a bit of drama, some announcements, a request to renew my membership, and even some new pictures of the Manilow store.
The drama: I never miss that. It's always nice to live in a bubble and not get all wrapped up in the usual fan related incidents and melodramas.
The announcements: those hold little significance to me any longer (except another dangling carrot of the new album 15 Minutes--that will ALWAYS interest me).
Renew my fan club membership: let's see--I'll pass on that one. Honestly, I can read the announcements on the website and I don't need another BMIFC pin. As far as being able to purchase the best seats, that was never the truth. The Hilton always had better seats available than the fan club and I assume so does the Paris hotel.
Pictures of the new Manilow store: it looks like a really nice place in a really nice hotel. I'm happy that Barry is now there and that he's receiving the publicity and recognition he deserves.
It's amazing how a little distance can give you some perspective. Do I want to see the new show? Sure. It's new and I'd like to see it. Honestly, I don't miss the shows as much as I miss my friends and spending time with them. That was always the crux of my frequent trips to Vegas. Did I enjoy the shows? Absolutely. But I enjoyed the time I spent with friends and the moments that we shared so much more than the performances.
I have no idea when or if I'll ever get back to Vegas. But I still have my memories of some of the best times of my life. I'll remember them fondly and also remember that Barry was a part of them. But life is more than sitting in the front row night after night and wishing and hoping for a glance, a smile, or a handshake. I prefer to live in the real world, no matter how hard it can be at times, or how many difficult decisions I have to make. I prefer to invest in the future and not live in the past or wish for things that can never be.
Still believing that it is ALL about the music, Texas Fan
It's hard to stay amped up about the shows and related events when you feel so far removed from the excitement. I sympathize with all those who have never been fortunate enough to see him perform live and I understand how difficult it must be to read and hear about other fans' experiences, all the while wishing you could be fortunate enough to participate as well. But all you can do is live vicariously through others and if you're lucky draw from past memories.
friends have moments of their own. It's been an amazing ride.
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