Manilow Live - Amsterdam 1978 / Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2010

This is an unusual episode.

We found the first segment of this episode way, way, WAAY in the back of our file cabinets where no man has gone for decades. I’m surprised that when we played the video tape (remember them?) it didn’t just disintegrate! But it played and it’s very rare. Frankly, I barely remember ever having seen it.

The national TV station in Amsterdam had taped our first concert in their city during our 1978 tour. I remember being so surprised at the audience’s excited reaction. I hadn’t expected anyone to show up and I hadn’t expected them to recognize any of my songs. After all, I was just breaking back then.

The crowd was terrific. The concert was much longer, but the TV editors cut it down to fit their schedule.

The biggest surprise was the request for “Sandra” and the response to the song. I never know how my music is affecting people or if anyone is listening at all.

I was so grateful to the people of Amsterdam for welcoming me so beautifully that year.

Remember, 1978 was the year that the press had begun to really massacre me and my music, so the reaction of the Amsterdam audiences meant a great deal to me.

We decided to follow this ancient concert with the guest appearance last year in Oslo (very cold in Oslo!) for the emotional Nobel Peace Prize concert.

So much has changed in 32 years. But the one thing that stays the same for me is my dedication to my music and my gratitude to my fans.

Barry