Barry Manilow impersonator Wayne Denton and his business partner Janet Martin were left 'humiliated' after being denied a meet and greet with the legendary singer. The pair spent £2,481.01 on gold VIP packages for Barry's show at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on June 13, expecting to meet him and receive a professional photo.
Devoted Fans
Wayne and Janet have watched Barry perform more than 20 times across the world, including in Las Vegas and Toronto. They had front-row seats and were due to meet Barry after the show. However, a member of Barry's team refused them entry, citing Wayne's appearance.
Wayne wore a sparkly jacket and a wig, which he uses regularly due to baldness. The orange Copacabana jacket was part of a collection of eight replica stage jackets inspired by Barry's concert wardrobe, created by Janet over several years.
Confrontation at the Rendezvous Point
According to a recording heard by the Liverpool Echo, a staff member told the pair that Wayne needed to remove his wig and jacket. Janet disputed this, calling it 'out of order'. Another staff member, claiming to be in charge, said: 'I've been instructed we can't do the wig and the jacket. It's an absolute no.'
Wayne asked if the wig was the primary issue, while Janet argued 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.'
The first staff member interjected, saying 'It's nothing to do with wearing a wig,' before the second added: 'You are both being insulting to Mr Manilow. Both of you. We're not having this argument.'
Refund Offered
The pair requested a refund, which the staff member 'guaranteed' to deliver. Wayne said: 'We can take the jacket off but the wig - there are lots of people wearing wigs.' They attempted to compromise by removing the jacket but keeping the wig, but were refused.
Janet noted that no dress code was listed in the email or booking. The man in charge replied: 'Come on, it's common sense.' She then asked if a baseball cap was available for Wayne, but was told they did not want to 'get security involved'.
Wayne suggested Janet meet Barry alone, but she refused to leave her friend behind. The staff assured them they would receive a full refund excluding the seat prices.
Aftermath
Janet told the Echo that a refund has been issued, but the experience left them both 'upset and humiliated'. She said: '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.'
She added: '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.'
Barry Manilow's team was approached for comment.
