They don't write 'em like that anymore

AdFreak must cop to being a pretty large Barry Manilow fan. And who could resist his sold-out performance at Anaheim’s Arrowhead Pond on Saturday night?

On hand to see what the showman called his final concert tour were 15,000-plus fans—giddy, waving lightsticks and just generally having an all-around blast. And they sang along as Manilow—who got his start in show business by writing advertising jingles—belted out his classic “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there” tune. It was a testament to the ditty’s lasting power, some 30 years after its creation.

It should probably be noted that the audience was somewhat less enthusiastic about selections from Barry’s upcoming musical, Harmony, set to open on Broadway next year.

--Posted by Randi Schmelzer

Photo: Jeff Topping/Getty Images

November 15, 2004 | Permalink