Liberace 1986 Last performance Christmas Medley

[@nolancain8792]

Compared to his 1983 performance of this piece, you can tell his cognitive abilities are slowing. Yet he’s somehow able to communicate that he’s not got long through the piano’s softness. Quite a heart wrenching thing to hear.

[@nolancain8792]

This is the one I’m talking about. 11 minutes in is where the piece is. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXu9fYqkoLGoptE

[@lindatober9580]

His face shows he was ill

[@TheRealDrJoey]

The contrast is stark. Hard to believe this was only 3 years later.

[@kencarole8415]

My mother and i always enjoyed Liberace. The fact he was Polish even more so. Wasn"t easy for him the prejudish against gay men when he was young. But he overcame.

[@RamblinGrass]

@@nolancain8792 Thanks for sharing. Great piece.

[@karolm4045]

I STILL love Liberace today in 2023! Who else agrees?

[@maryjudeszymanski767]

Me, too.

[@leheli7838]

I'm with you.

[@karolm4045]

I taught myself how to play the piano because of Liberace. But, of course, I am not great as he was! I can play top 40's songs and most Christmas songs! My family came over to my house for Christmas in 1998 and, I played Christmas songs for us to sing along. Everyone was in shock and, asked when did I learn to play the piano and who taught me! 😂

[@tcb1017]

I agree. I even have him tattoed on my back and not just that but a big one with his Black/Gold piano. Also his necklace, that's how crazy I'm about the man. Rest in peace you beautiful man and thank you for your life and time sharing all of you to all of us.

[@laurielovett8849]

Yes yes yes and no one deserved to be loved more,a wonderful human being and artist

[@kimshuler7272]

SUCH A MUSICIAN! I grew up listening to him. My dad loved listening to him!

[@mongem0n]

he’s incredible, we’ll never forget 💙

[@billconserva1461]

No fancy outfit, his body was to weak to carry that heavy load, but the candelabra was still there, a Hallmark of his performance!

[@SubaruDave]

And me the 55 yr old big tough semi driver / construction worker is still moved emotionally almost to tears every time I still hear him play.

[@smithpm81]

i am 57 and feel the same

[@patmillar961]

I'm 68 and I'm with u there...such a lovely soul x

[@chadmark88]

"A Man Is A Man BECAUSE He Can Cry" . . . most mammals can't cry from emotion.

[@stephaniestanley8041]

Dave a very beautiful comment ❤

[@robertomoi2044]

Why.?its just a guy playing thee piano

[@danielgeary6990]

Liberace was a good man. He loved his mother, he loved his country, he loved his fans, and he loved to perform. May he rest in peace.

[@TimmyME]

lehec123456 Is there anything that can prove that?

[@lehec]

Even a blind man would have seen it...

[@themasterofhorror3915]

Hi loved the music..

[@olivelane7903]

Did anyone else notice Lee had only one ring on lost too much flesh off fingers other rings would come off god makes people gay two many female hormones in men make them gay it is not their fault it is god's fault why is god cruel

[@Chrisstian111]

@@olivelane7903 God is not cruel. He loves us, therefore he gives us freewill. So, when you have billions of people created through the miracle of birth, you are going to have variations. It's not his intention for bad things to happen during creation. Therefore,we have to trust in him.

[@PENDEJO-POMPOTAS]

Emotional but tear-inducing! One gets the impression that he is softly playing himself out of this life and towards heaven. His final smile says it all - "I'm finished here, folks, gotta move on..."

[@dennisleporte2327]

Brilliantly put.

[@shellharbour2]

I agree, I think this was his last performance breath RIP Lee

[@Dorothy-333]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ You put my thoughts to life ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@I-AM-BELIEVER]

Heaven?

[@guytanoparks]

I am drawn in by his magical, introspective whisper of a farewell with his distinctive, personal sparkle. This is my favorite performance by Liberace.

[@Dorothy-333]

I so love your comment, I feel it too.❤

[@rosemaryspafalmouth2609]

Playing the piano is not easy. Playing it well is extremely difficult. Playing it at this level is a phenomenon!! R.I.P Liberace🙏🏻❤️

[@time4clocks]

That was nice! 🙏

[@jeff9934]

Yes. Yes. Yes. He was the best that ever lived, doing it! I play. I know.❤️❤️

[@kentduryea7109]

Bull. Playing the piano is easy if you want to bad enough.

[@rosemaryspafalmouth2609]

@@kentduryea7109 If that were true everybody that plays piano would be Liberace. It’s called talent and not everyone has it.

[@kentduryea7109]

@@rosemaryspafalmouth2609 It is true. For instance I know a little girl that was born without arms who plays piano. Her name is Alberta Mosnegutu. She uses her feet because she was determined to learn how. Alberta, who goes by the name ‘Lorelai’, was born with a severe disability that restricted the development of her arms and femurs. Nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough no matter what.

[@RamblinGrass]

He's got just two months to live. His farewell to his fans. He knows that, but his audience here doesn't . So sad...so beautiful! The best showman ever.

[@ajjoseph3152]

Simply exquisite

[@dirtyunclehubert]

even more heartbreaking when you know he points out in this very interview how important it is to be healthy and how no money can buy you good health....he knew too well he was going to die from AIDS.

[@coneyjavier1001]

God bless his soul! He made a lot people happy thru his music!

[@rickbreitenbecher124]

Makes me sad to think that but it was true. Notice, he literally never once looks at the audience to smile at them as he was known to do constantly, while playing. He just looks down at his hands as he plays. It's so bittersweet.

[@hh7407]

He loved life so much. How he kept from tearing up is pure bravery knowing he was dying soon.

[@reedberry]

This was a different Liberace. He was a master showman - always smiling and full of energy when he performed. This performance was much more subdued. He knew his time was limited, but didn't share that with his fans, and kept performing until the very end. He and his style were both so unique, I doubt if there will ever be anyone else quite like him. Rest in peace, Liberace.

[@festeCanuck]

The look on his face was free of artifice unlike his usual demeanor...we saw Liberace the man not the actor.

[@touraneindanke]

He didn’t really connect with the audience here. He almost isolated with his tru love…that piano the music.. Very confrontational 🙏🏽💔

[@tonys4396]

Think of all the men and you kids he gave AIDS to before he croaked,

[@carlaskham9250]

Always be the best!!! No matter what I always loved his immaculate performances!! Had the pleasure of meeting him at the London palladium many years ago!! What a charming gentleman!!!

[@zeuspanchenko3299]

That's what suckin dick will do to you!

[@processfitness]

He looks so sad. It's a shame people made that tragic movie about him. All he did was try to make people happy with his love of piano.

[@davidronson8712]

He made it sound like a music box, great man.

[@jamesedwards2237]

Nailed it man!!

[@Melissa0774]

@emilioooo9678 It sounded to me like he had intentionally worked some clashing notes into the high part, when he played Jingle Bells, because the dissonance makes those notes sound more like bells. That's such a genius thing to do.

[@ronsarcade1448]

Plays like an Angel. Never seen such a light-touch. Amazing he could play when he was so ill. RIP.

[@bjoaquinesq]

❤ It is now June 2, 2024- 6:36 AM. I absolutely LOVE, RESPECT and ADORE this incredible marvelously talented, amazing and priceless gentleman ever! • Forever Rest in Peaceful Paradise, Light and Love - Liberace.

[@beecee1016]

I was a kid and teenager during the height of his career. He was an incredible talent. People today can not even imagine the venues this man sold out, even on multiple days. Everyone's mother and meemaw adored this guy.

[@bjoaquinesq]

@@beecee1016 Thank you so much for sharing this from your feelings as well thoughts!!!

[@nielsbnnelkke6010]

It´s so emotional.... bring tears in my eyes every time I watch this.....

[@kevinbirge2130]

I laughed at him as a kid. Now I appreciate the skill, showmanship, and decency.

[@DJDeXTeRiTY]

I didn't get either as a kid growing up in the 80s, now I am binging his videos. The man was the epitome of entertainment and the era I dream of every time I am in Vegas.

[@karenj4854]

@Kevin we all get older and wiser! Your personal growth is all that matters!

[@robwebnoid5763]

There is a lesson to be had in these kinds of stories. There is another true story about a door-to-door salesman (in the US), except he was also handicapped with cerebral palsy as a salesman. Some neighborhood kids used to tease him as they were not only young, but also not aware or understood of his condition. As these kids grew up, some of them learned what was going on, felt the shame & cried, as they told their stories. If you are not familiar, look up "salesman Bill Porter". There was also a docu-film about it, "Door to Door" in 2002.

[@steviejd5803]

His final look to the audience after that exquisite performance is utterly heartbreaking xxx

[@bobpendlebury3733]

lovely comment

[@1963Austria]

He knew that was his last Christmas.. At that time, there was no good treatment. those suffering from it felt worse on the meds than without them.

[@reidx512]

I will forever love him. I am 48 now and all of my days I have admired him. Years ago, I had the honor and pleasure of seeing him perform. I can tell you it was simply Bliss all night. My Grandmother loved him and introduced me to his music. There was a time when I trained and my coach just hated his style. Now that I am older, I know exactly what she was saying, but he gave me heaven when he performed. Rest EZ sir, you deserve the peace you gave to others...

[@TotalSinging]

Its not only the playing here but also the arrangement of this piece that is masterful. The choice of notes, the choice of each piece of song, when and where to dampen or sustain, the combining of different pieces over one another and the embellishments - make it pure magic. He makes different parts sound like a music box and church bells - all in the right places. It simply doesn't get better than this.

[@kenmanning7177]

May god kept his hand on you

[@rancelynch6514]

I love the key that he played in

[@kimkrebs451]

Agreed

[@ms.annthrope415]

He was trained in classical music and classical piano, but he found he made more money playing schmaltz and catering to blue haired ladies. He never went up to develop his piano skills to top notch classical pianist levels. He was never a Van Cliburn, a Rubinstein, a Horowitz, he couldn't hold a candle to Yuja Wang, Valentina Lisitsa, Volodos, Evgeny Kissin, Martha Augerich. So like he said to his critics, he went crying to the bank.

[@wscaff]

I agree the arrangement was great! We all should be so lucky to go out thus, loving what we do and by others.

[@annahatch5512]

I knew this would make me cry. But I clicked anyway. I’m speechless. And very, very sad. I’ll just cry myself to sleep tonight. This is heartbreaking. You can hear the emotion in every single one of his notes.

[@tcb1017]

I'm so with you Anna. Never ever again in history will we have another Lee. Sos, so, so, and again so sad he got sick and he knew there that he is dying what a beautiful human being he was and we are so thankful that he got born and be who he got to be what a beautiful human being with so amazing talant.

[@olivelane7903]

Yes l agree

[@andrewgibson]

He was a very nice man,and good entertainer,

[@crazyorganist1609]

A masterful artist to the end. Such an emotional performance. He's obviously saying farewell in his own unique way. The smile at the end says it all. No words needed

[@chriscampbell9207]

Bittersweet. He loved life and GAVE so much of himself through his talent. Like Elvis, never be another♡

[@TheMartinick]

Such a great compilation and so well played. We miss you Mr. Liberace!

[@jordan6988]

His goodbye to the world...farewell Lee. Whatever comes after death I hope I your music is greeting me.

[@patrickjosephmoore7297]

My mother loved him and so did us four young boys.

[@roccosophie6498]

When you have more to offer, than your physical body will allow. Liberace is one of the greatest entertainers we will ever see in our lifetimes.

[@zachthehistorian]

When he began to play Silent Night I choked up. He knew he was dying and he was telling all his fans goodbye.

[@josephpeters2083]

Will always love this unrepeatable virtuoso and lovely peron

[@chrissmith7669]

Me mum was a huge fan. Every time I hear him play I think of her.

[@davidwallace2885]

Liberace, a fantastic artist!

[@normancarr3015]

I remember watching this as a teen on Christmas Day 1986.Rest in peace and Dwell in the eternal light Liberace.

[@shellharbour2]

I believe this was live on a TV show, maybe Opra. Initially standing to talk, but became very weak and Opra gave him a seat,. Still soldiered on barely breathing then gave this performance. Died days later. What a man, what an entertainer to his last breath. Love you Lee. RIP Champion

[@reedberry]

Spelled OPRAH

[@Melissa0774]

He actually died two months later.

[@markbeedy6784]

The last time I saw Liberace perform was on the tonight show with Johnny Carson. He was so sick and feeble looking. Even Johnny Carson was disturbed at his appearance and asked him about his health. Of course Liberace didn't say what was really happening to him (that he was dying) but that he had a case of pneumonia. I've loved his music since I was a child and I will enjoy it until I am dead.

[@Summer73343]

This incredible talent was my family’s favorite. We sat around our TV and were mesmerized by his ability, his musical genius and his sense of humor.

[@001Geoff]

I felt a little sad watching this because he knew that time may have been limited for him, but the man was a genius.

[@Melissa0774]

The way he hits certain dissonant notes, (clashing notes) on the high keys when he's playing Jingle Bells, tweaks the pitch in just the right way that it makes the piano sound more like bells. That's such a genius thing for a pianist to be able to figure out how to do. He's blending the notes to sound like something different, similar to the concept of blending paint colors to make another color, or that kid I've seen on KZbin who figured out how to get an acoustic violin to make all kinds of animal and car sound effects. It reminds me of a project that some artist did in Europe, I forget which country, where they build a machine with robot arms, that plays the whole entire keyboard of an acoustic piano, in just the right way where they could blend the pitches of the notes and manage to make it sound like a kid talking. It says a message about climate change. You can actually blend the pitch of those 88 notes to make them sound like almost anything, if you do it just the right way. It's such a genius concept.

[@jackjohnson7396]

Good info...

[@diannevanbrunt9884]

No one surpasses him in musical talent and showmanship. A fine entertainer.

[@charleneheiland8803]

Why does he always sound so great and different than other piano players ? Privileged to see one concert. Now playing with the angels.💖

[@philiphatfield5666]

Shomanship! Liberace played the piano his way----he had his own style. True, he was not going to rank among the great classical pianists of all time, but who remembers any of them? With his incredible ability to improvise on the fly, he could have easily been a superb jazz musician, but he wanted to entertain the masses, so he created his own incredibly entertaining style of playing; what's more, he was funny as hell. He was a total hoot when he was a villain on TV's, "Batman".

[@jamessimmons3645]

Flamboyant and flame he may have been, but he was a patriot who loved his country and always gave God the credit for his gift.

[@tommywarren4633]

I remembers first seeing Liberace when I was a kid on a black-and-white TV , what a great god-given talent, may he rest in peace.

[@edgarfunchal5445]

😂 una delle sue performance anni 50 è stato un famoso dado portoghese, (April in Portugal

[@boris.dupont]

How sad and wonderful! He must have been so lonely and miserable in the last months of his life. He went so far as to refuse to be treated in order to protect his privacy. Sad times but thank you Lee!

[@danielfeinstein1096]

He was gifted with incredible musical talent. His smile was infectious!

[@trevorhale8192]

I’m 72 now, and can remember my father loving Liberace playing the piano when I was a teenager. I couldn’t understand why he loved it so much - now I can, sheer brilliance. A wonderful skill, a talented man.

[@GrasshopperRDG]

I am a *LIBERACE* Fan, FOREVER AND EVER!!!!!! Just WOW*****

[@sprintbass]

I love him.. I am connected to him

[@n-doghansenmand5655]

You need to get out more then

[@GEC416]

it makes me cry to think he only had a cple months to live....he sure could play and made it sound like trickling water.....

[@onemoremisfit]

That spot on the first syllable of the word "Christmases" in White Christmas where he rolls the hands outward to one note on the pinky of each hand and pauses.

[@nataliregalado3708]

The best showman on earth. I just love how he would fly away at the end. Hes Epic . Has more BLING than any rapper😂. He was amazing. May he RIP🙏💞

[@michaelcoleman3259]

Saw The Man Himself at MGM in the 70s in Vegas. Just unbelievable. You can say what you like about Lee, his private life was his own affair. But he could sure play the Old Joanna

[@tbwpiper189]

This is one of the most beautifully constructed and played compilations ever performed. RIP Liberace.

[@tonymazz9912]

Sleep in Heavenly peace Liberace. The world loves and misses you.

[@1963Austria]

I am certain, if there is a heaven, Liberace, Jerry Lee, Mickey Gilley, Elvis etc are showing heaven what music is all about..

[@MrRichDavid]

May His Memory Be Eternal.......RIP

[@chrismiddleton5131]

I could watch this and listen to this all day. Just magnificent. The Master. RIP Liberace

[@1963Austria]

From his 01-09-86 performance on Johnny Carson until this, physically he had declined. So sad, at that time they had little treatment for HIV....Liberace, RIP.......

[@bwortham565]

This is real talent this why TV was invented to show real art and entertainment. Thank you Mr. Liberace a true showman showman.

[@chuckster3629]

I can only imagine how good that music must have sounded in person. These old recordings just don't do justice to his masterful talent.

[@maryjudeszymanski767]

The music sounded beautiful in person.

[@farahangely6771]

One of the Sweetest Angels the planet ever had i miss him so.... 😭😭😭

[@pamelamyers9613]

I think he was fine pianist; and a decent human being for Hollywood. Very kind man.

[@cathyflorence8040]

A brilliant pianist and performer, RIP Liberace. 🙏🙏💙💙🦋🦋🌸🌸

[@pjuggle]

He’s close to death and yet he was still the most powerfully pianist in modern history. They guy went months in rehearsals without making a mistake. Absolutely phenomenal artist. He did more with one hand than most pianists did with two.

[@TopblokeGolf]

From what I read he didn’t hardly rehearse

[@carolecarr5210]

I just started crying. He looks so sick on yet he's playing Christmas music. Wonderful human being sitting there.

[@jmikeperkins]

My favorite Liberace performance. Perhaps knowing that he was about to die, he really puts a lot of emotion into this and it's quite beautiful in a sincere way.

[@markgordon5387]

My grandmother loved Liberace, and so did I. My mother and grandfather loved him too. The world isn't the same without him.

[@PhillipLWilcher]

God bless him. May he ever rest in love and peace.

[@1979augistine]

The man made the piano talk and come alive like no other he and the piano became one. Without each other neither seemed complete as when they where together absolutely amazing to see this video . Thank you good sir and may you rest in peace

[@paulkeyton2870]

Amazing talent and kind loving man that died to early , the world could use a few liberace to bring a smile to all of us , God bless our world and heaven is sounding beautiful with his playing and remember be kind to one another.

[@lesreed9269]

Beautiful - always the consummate performer and gentleman!

[@autocrow]

This is absolutely beautiful. It was cool the way added "Jingle Bells" into "Dreaming Of A White Christmas." Brings a tear to my eye however thinking it was his last performance.

[@trudyanderson4328]

I watch him everysundaynight with my daddy I was a little girl.

[@margaretjiantonio939]

@@trudyanderson4328 I did too.

[@rw8733]

God bless him.

[@CoCo-bb6ou]

Just lovely

[@gabe31g]

Thats talent a musical genius. thank you for your music

[@MerseaClive]

one of the saddest videos I've seen :(

[@johnrice7076]

He was absolutely amazing a total one off will never see anything like Lee again love this medley RIP

[@BoogieKnight1976]

That was incredible.

[@georgesalmas4582]

There is no substitute for talent. He was born with it and he maximized it,

[@andrewhubbard4044]

Poor Liberace it was only years later that they devoloped HIV drugs, he was a good person RIP Lee what a legend

[@FUBBA]

He actually died two months after this video he was already sick with it during this performance.

[@lilliearvizu9447]

AMAZING TALENTED PIANO PLAYER HE WAS! LOVE THE WAY HE PLAYED "WHITE CHRISTMAS"!

[@willclayfield7709]

An outstanding talent!..

[@raymondedebelder8152]

Merci Liberace

[@marypoppins123]

I am going to have this play first thing Christmas Morning for my kids from now on, before they wake up. So beautiful and heartfelt. He was an AMAZING MAN WITH TALENT!!!!

[@ronaldreagan256]

Thanks for the memories Lee

[@shirleychavez4870]

What an amazing talent!!!

[@stumack9755]

@@franklinstephen3268 easy Frankie.

[@zaneclone]

An extraordinary performance... There's a sense of sadness and farewell to it. Beautiful, yet strangely melancholic... captivating, yet kinda sad...

[@yvonneholmes2990]

/XXXXXXX

[@margaretjugl6591]

There will never be any one like. His music was a absolute joy to behold.

[@timtaylor9979]

My mum had all his records. We grew up listening to this gifted musician & entertainer. Liberace tv specials were awesome, too. RIP friend.

[@Dr.Pepper001]

Despite his personal issues, he was one of the greatest performers ever. I used to watch his weekly TV show on a tiny black and white television when I was a kid.

[@mbellizia75]

He didn't have personal issues. Sounds like maybe you had issues with his personal life tho.

[@marywinn8953]

What a piano player and entertainer.Nobody around like that anymore.

[@robertmiller3810]

I idolized him growing up and wanted to be just like him. I’m 80 years old now and I stopped by his resting place when I was in California and thanked him for making the world a better place thru music. He passed away February 4th 1987, not long after this performance. Rest in Peace my friend.

[@tyroneowens7602]

Mr Liberace the best I loved to hear him play the piano sir rest in peace

[@pamelabryars1239]

What a beautiful man! I know he is playing in heaven!

[@urgdaddy]

The Best at his artistry. Loved his music and talent. RIP.

[@jeffmckaig4763]

Had the pleasure of seeing him perform in Chattanooga TN , incredible and memorable show. He was indeed Mr Showmanship. May he rest in peace, and I hope theirs a Piano where ever he is...

[@frankgarrett242]

No pianos in hell.

[@swampyfox1]

@@frankgarrett242 and how do you know he’s in Hell?

[@cathycorriher6313]

His talent was just unbelieveable...and though he was so sick, he never wavered in his abilities to play.

[@steelmagnolia474]

Beautiful to hear but so sad to see a person being consumed by AIDS. Rest in peace Liberace😔

[@dariaschooler]

Liberace died 2/4/87, less than 8 weeks after this performance, but terminal illness didn’t stop him from playing with all his heart.

[@jerryday9838]

Liberace. What a great entertainer, and one heck of a piano player,I I couldn't wait to see him on tv. May GOD bless him

[@jerryday9838]

People,talk and laugh about his personal business. Who cares,even as a young lad .get away from me with all that being gay just means he's happy all the time.liberace was so cool even Elvis started wearing sequence jackets and jump suits.may GOD bless him always

[@gilliantracy7991]

What an incredible talent he was! Thank you for sharing this heartwarming performance!

[@larry1824]

He wanted to entertain us and he did for decades. His tv show was simple and elegant. Guy always made me smile

[@jubalcalif9100]

Though he looks incredibly thin & frail, Lee's playing was exquisite as ever. Thank you for uploading this heartwarming footage.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I heartily concur !

[@carolparr4062]

Thank you for sharing your gift.. Rest in peace.

[@tcox1inc]

Growing up, I always loved Liberace and I'm convinced that I always will. RIP Mr. Showmanship.