BARRY MANILOW FAN DENIED MEET-AND-GREET OVER WIG AND JACKET

Wayne Denton and Janet Martin paid £2,481 for VIP packages at Barry Manilow's concert at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, which included a backstage meet-and-greet with the performer. Following the show, the pair proceeded to the designated meeting area for VIP ticket holders. A member of staff at the entrance prevented them from attending, according to Mr Denton, instructing him to remove his wig and a sparkly jacket before he could meet Manilow.

Mr Denton wears the wig daily as he is bald. The jacket, a Copacabana-style garment made by Ms Martin, is one of eight reproduction stage jackets in a collection she has created modelled on Manilow's performance costumes, a project spanning several years. According to Mr Denton's account, a staff member told the pair that Manilow would find Wayne's appearance insulting. In an audio recording obtained by a local news outlet, the staff member can be heard instructing Mr Denton to remove both items.

Mr Denton stated he felt humiliated by the refusal of access despite paying for the VIP experience. The pair have attended Manilow performances on more than 20 occasions across multiple countries, including Las Vegas and Toronto. Despite enjoying a front-row seat to the Liverpool performance, they were unable to complete the meet-and-greet as advertised with their ticket package.