The video below captures one of the most iconic performances in Barry Manilow’s career – a live rendition of his hit single “Copacabana” taken from the 1978 BBC special. Then, it was a time of extravagance, where disco ruled the airwaves and people dressed up in their best polyester outfits to go out and dance the night away. The late 70s was an era of leisure suits, platform shoes, and big hair – a time when America was starting to shake off the conservative era of the previous decade.
Manilow’s performance at the Royal Albert Hall was electric. From the moment he walks out onto the stage, you can feel the energy in the room. He looks dapper in his white suit and black shirt, his hair perfectly coiffed, and his smile infectious. The crowd is on their feet, clapping and cheering as the opening chords of “Copacabana” start to play.
As Manilow launches into the song, his voice is strong and clear, hitting every note precisely. The band is tight, and the horn section is spot on. The audience is swept up in the music, clapping and singing the catchy chorus. It’s a timeless classic that still gets people up and dancing today.
“Copacabana” was released as a single in 1978 and quickly became a hit, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song tells the story of Lola, a showgirl at the Copacabana nightclub, and her lover Tony, a bartender at the same club. The song’s catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and tragic storyline made it an instant classic.
Most fans don’t know that “Copacabana” was originally written as a jingle for a Coca-Cola commercial. Manilow expanded the jingle into a full-length song; the rest is history. It’s a testament to Manilow’s songwriting abilities that he could turn a simple jingle into a timeless classic.
As the song draws close, Manilow takes a bow, waving to the crowd as they cheer and applaud. He’s won over the British audience, and his popularity in the UK will continue growing.
If you haven’t seen this performance of “Copacabana” by Barry Manilow, you’re missing out. It’s a classic moment in music history that captures the essence of an era. Be sure to hit the like and share button because music fans of all ages deserve to see this performance.
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