Two devoted Barry Manilow fans say they were left feeling humiliated after being refused entry to a meet and greet with the singer due to their attire. Wayne Denton and his business partner Janet Martin had paid over £2,400 for a gold VIP package to see Manilow at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on June 13. However, they claim a member of the star's team stopped them from meeting him, calling their appearance 'insulting' to the performer.
The Incident
Wayne, who performs as a Barry Manilow impersonator due to his physical resemblance to the singer, wore a sparkly orange Copacabana-style jacket and a wig, which he typically uses because he is bald. The jacket was one of eight replica stage jackets created by Janet over several years, inspired by Manilow's concert wardrobe. The pair have attended more than 20 Manilow concerts worldwide, including in Las Vegas and Toronto, and spent thousands on front-row experiences.
After the show, they went to the designated meeting point for VIP ticket holders. Janet said a man at the door stopped them and told them they would not be allowed to meet Barry because of Wayne's outfit. In a recording heard by the Liverpool ECHO, a staff member informed them that Wayne needed to remove his wig and jacket. Janet argued that no dress code had been mentioned in the email or booking, calling the rule 'out of order.'
Another staff member, claiming to be in charge, then said, 'I'm sorry. I've been instructed we can't do the wig and the jacket. It's an absolute no.' When Wayne asked if the wig was the main issue, Janet responded that asking him to remove it was insulting, noting that 'women wear wigs too.' The staff member replied, 'It's actually insulting to Barry, so it's an absolute no.'
Refund and Aftermath
The pair offered to remove the jacket but keep the wig, but were refused. The staff member 'guaranteed' a refund for the meet and greet portion of the package. Wayne suggested Janet meet Barry alone, but she declined to leave him behind. Janet told the ECHO that a refund has been issued, but the experience has left them both upset and humiliated.
'I've got tickets for September and I don't want to go. I feel sick. We've seen him so many times and had the best seats. It was awful, to be honest. Wayne wears his wig everywhere because he is bald. It was so humiliating. We're massive fans and we put our show together four years ago. It's a real show with a brass band and a real tribute but it's made me look at it all a different way now,' Janet said.
Barry Manilow's team was approached for comment but did not respond.
