Barry Manilow Explores the 'Dangerous' Side of Fame on '15 Minutes'
The long-running hit machine that is Barry Manilow takes a bold step at age 67 with his new release, '15 Minutes,' a rocking concept album that follows the story of a pop singer who hits giddy highs and rock-bottom lows.
Spinner recently spoke to Manilow to discuss the perils of fame, his recovery from tumors and why he's not going to Vegas to die.
We'll ask you the question you ask on the album: Fame -- is it worth it?
That's exactly not right. The quote you're looking for is on the cover -- "Fame -- can you take it?"
But there's also a lyric that asks, "Is it worth it?"
Well, I say it's worth it if you're doing it for the right reasons. I hear some of these young people saying "I want to be famous," and I clench up. You need to do what you believe in. Do it because you can't not do it. If you do it for money, applause, or to be famous, that's dangerous. If you do it because you can't not, whatever your field, you have a better chance of having a happy life.
Play Barry Manilow's Full '15 Minutes' Album Free
The album seems clearly influenced by 'American Idol,' which has condensed the process of becoming famous. How much of the story is autobiographical?
We were really writing about our fictional character, but halfway through, I actually found myself in every song. I'd been through every experience in every song, except the very last two. Thank goodness I've never gone down that far, although I went down pretty far.
But you've had a fortunate career, without
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