After 20 years without singing in public, on September 6, 1986 when there was barely cable in many major cities - some but not all, Barbara Streisand returned to sing in public offering her “One Voice” concert at her home in Malibu, California.
It was indeed highly publicized, a fundraiser for the Democratic Party, for those of whom supported the environment, equality and other such monstrous matters. Some here apparently boo, ecause it was political, but for those who were also blessed with cable, watched on Showtime (The only venue at the time live that covered it. You may remember Robin Williams hocking tickets for $5000 apiece as guests arrived in his true and genuine comic genius.
It was one of the greatest gatherings for us older gays, in a long time, for those who were blessed to actually be there or were watching on the one cable channel that you may or may not have had.
Cynical gays love to tell you how horrible Barbra Streisand is today, but the truth is that those who make those remarks were actually nobody at the time. And some still are not.
Unless you’ve purchased the concert, you’ll never find it on any of the media channels like YouTube in it’s entirety. That’s equally sad and brilliant at the same time.
Anyone can visit a home after one of the greatest events one may have experienced in life, but unless you were there, at the time you’ll never understand the impact of that evening of excitement, music, hope and talent.
It was the best thing that happened in 1986 for me and for most of my friends.