Introduction

One Last Dance with a Legend: Barry Manilow’s Heartfelt Return to Spokane

The voice that defined the soundtrack of the 70s and 80s is preparing for a sentimental milestone. This coming July 11th, the legendary Barry Manilow will take the stage at the Spokane Arena for what he is calling “The Last Spokane Concert.” In a recent one-on-one conversation, the music icon shared reflections on his 50-year history with the city, his surprising start in the industry, and what fans—affectionately known as Fanilows—can expect from this final Inland Northwest appearance.

A Half-Century of Spokane History

Manilow’s connection to Spokane isn’t just a stop on a map; it’s a journey through time. He first performed in the city in 1975 at the Spokane Opera House (now the First Interstate Center for the Arts). Reflecting on that era, Manilow displayed a sharp memory for the venues that hosted him during his meteoric rise.

• 1975: His first Spokane show, exactly 50 years ago.

• 1999: His last appearance in the city, 26 years ago at the Spokane Arena.

• 2026: The grand finale at the same arena this July.

When asked if this is a “farewell tour,” Manilow was playfully cautious. “I get myself into trouble whenever I say it’s the last tour because two years later I come back,” he joked. However, he confirmed that he is indeed saying a formal goodbye to specific cities that have been particularly good to him over the decades.

More Than Just a “Piano Man”

While many casual listeners picture Manilow as a soft-spoken artist sitting quietly at a piano, he was quick to correct that perception. He promised a “very high energy” production that builds in intensity throughout the night.

“A lot of people think that I’m just going to sit at the piano and play ‘Mandy’—and I will—but it’s not that. It’s a very high-energy show. It’s exciting, and as the evening goes on, it gets more and more exciting.”

The “Jingle King” and the Mailroom

Before he was selling out arenas, Manilow was a mail boy at CBS in New York, a background that gives him a natural affinity for “TV people.” His career transition from the mailroom to writing world-famous jingles is a testament to his melodic genius. While he penned classics for McDonald’s, KFC, and Band-Aid, his personal favorite remains the State Farm theme: “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.”

A Final Message to the “Fanilows”

As he prepares for the July 11th show, Manilow expressed profound gratitude for the loyalty of his fans in the Pacific Northwest. He also dropped a bit of “insider knowledge” for those wondering about his most famous characters: Lola from “Copacabana” isn’t actually a real person.

Whether it’s the nostalgia of “Mandy” or the theatrical flare of “Copacabana,” the upcoming concert promises to be a masterclass in Showmanship. For Spokane, it is a chance to say thank you to a man who has kept the world singing for half a century.

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