Why Barry, Why?

As everyone who reads my blog knows, I have been a fan of Barry Manilow for over half of my life. I was so proud and happy to be a fan...he was one artist who didn't drum up publicity for himself by being negative. It seemed as though he accepted everyone no matter what their views were. To him, music was what was important. Or so I thought.

I received this "message from Barry" in my email today:

Hey guys,
I wanted to let you know that I will no longer be on The View tomorrow as scheduled. I had made a request that I be interviewed by Joy, Barbara or Whoopi, but not Elisabeth Hasselback. Unfortunately, the show was not willing to accommodate this simple request so I bowed out.

It’s really too bad because I've always been a big supporter of the show, but I cannot compromise my beliefs. The good news is that I will be on a whole slew of other shows promoting the new album so I hope you can catch me on those.

Love,
Barry

Ouch. This coming from a man who I thought believed that everyone had the right to their own opinion. Their right to believe in any way they chose. A man who was not political, who believed in the power of music, who cared about anyone no matter who they were. If the shoe were on the other foot and Elisabeth Hasselback had refused to interview him because of his views...well, you could image what the press would do to her.

I am very torn and depressed. I was so excited for the release of his new CD "Songs of the Seventies" but I cannot find it in my heart now to listen to it let alone purchase it. It is like a little piece of me died. The little Barry piece that believed in the goodness of people and the beautiful power of music.

Thank you Barry for hurting me today. I guess we all need to grow up a little in this cold new world.

Comments

[Patia]

So, I'm clueless ... what's the problem with Elisabeth Hasselback?

[Pandora]

I don't watch The View so I am not sure what all the hubbub is about. Supposedly Elisabeth Hasselback is a conservative who has strong views about gay rights. She got into an argument with Rosie O'Donnell which caused Rosie to leave the show (actually her contract was up so I don't know how much of it was a publicity stunt). I guess Barry is a friend of Rosie's and didn't like the way she was treated. I saw clips of the argument and Rosie had no problem overshouting anything Elisabeth had to say so I don't know how much defending she really needed.

This just bothers me because in his newsletters, Barry has always preached acceptance of everyone's views no matter who they are. I was always impressed because he didn't use negativity and didn't promote his albums using a political adgenda. Unlike other bands like U2 or Green Day. Now he is just like all the others. But I think this will come back to bite him in the backside because a good portion of his fans are older conservative women. And if he can't be in the same studio with someone like Elisabeth Hasselback then he won't be accepting of me either. This is what hurts.

[Jough]

I don't think it was Elisabeth's views that Barry was afraid of, but rather her tendency to be very outspoken. I don't think Barry was willing to subject himself to that type of criticism.

[Pandora]

According to another report I read, Barry said that Elisabeth's views were "dangerous and offensive". He has been on the show at least twice before while Elisabeth was on there and never had a problem with her views then. So I don't think he was afraid of her because she was outspoken. This is all in support of Rosie who is not exactly a mouse when it comes to expressing an opinion.

[Patia]

Is Barry gay?

[Pandora]

You know I really have no clue. Back in the 70's, I just didn't think about it. It wasn't until about 15 years ago that I read something about Barry being gay. I thought to myself, "What? Barry is gay?". But then the more I thought about it, the more I thought he might be. In the beginning of his career (very early 70's) he played the piano in gay bathhouses in NYC. But that doesn't mean he is gay, it just means he can play the piano. :-) And he was married for about a year a long, long time ago. He is pretty quiet about is personal life so I guess we will never know. That's why Mika reminds me so much of Barry. It doesn't matter whether or not he is gay, it is the music that matters. And Mika's music irritates a lot of people just like Barry's does. :-) I still predict that Mika will be the next Barry Manilow...he will be around for a long time with lots and lots of very loyal fans (both men and women)!

[Patia]

I saw Barry on Extra the other night when I had insomnia. All those feathers and showgirls? He's gay.

I don't think you can really blame him for not wanting to be around someone who is an outspoken bigot.

IMHO.