Introduction

A Bittersweet Goodbye: Barry Manilow Reflects on 50 Years of Hits Ahead of “Last Spokane Concert”

For five decades, Barry Manilow has been the velvet voice behind the soundtrack of countless lives. From the soaring heights of “Mandy” to the rhythmic storytelling of “Copacabana,” his music has defined an era of pop excellence. Now, as he prepares to kick off the second leg of his latest tour, the Inland Northwest is bracing for a sentimental milestone: The Last Spokane Concert.

In a recent one-on-one conversation with Jim Hanifan from KREM 2 News, the music icon opened up about his storied history with the city, his humble beginnings in the television industry, and why this particular tour feels like a significant chapter closing.

A Half-Century of Spokane History

Manilow’s connection to Spokane isn’t just a professional stop; it is a relationship that spans exactly fifty years. He first performed in the city in 1975 at the Spokane Opera House (now the First Interstate Center for the Arts).

“I know that city, man,” Manilow reminisced, marveling at the passage of time. His last visit was twenty-six years ago in 1999 at the Spokane Arena—the same venue he will return to on July 11th. While the artist is hesitant to use the word “farewell” globally—joking that he often “gets into trouble” by returning two years after a goodbye—he is firm that this represents his final formal bows to cities that have been especially good to him.

More Than Just a “Piano Man”

For those expecting a quiet evening of Barry sitting stationary at a piano, he offers a word of caution. He describes the current production as a “very high energy” experience that builds in intensity. “A lot of people think I’m just going to sit at the piano and play ‘Mandy’—and I will—but it’s a very good-feeling show that gets more exciting as the evening goes on,” he explained.

From the Mailroom to the “Jingle King”

Before the Grammys and the Hall of Fame, Manilow’s career began in the most unlikely of places: the CBS mailroom in New York. This early exposure to “TV people” fostered a lifelong respect for the industry. His melodic genius was first felt by the public not through albums, but through iconic commercials.

Fans might be surprised to learn he penned some of history’s most famous jingles, including:

• State Farm: “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.”

• Band-Aid: “I am stuck on Band-Aid ’cause Band-Aid’s stuck on me.”

• Other hits: KFC and McDonald’s.

Gratitude for the “Fanilows”

As the July 11th date approaches, Manilow remains profoundly grateful for the “Fanilows”—the dedicated legion of supporters who have followed him for half a century. Whether they are in Spokane or Seattle, he promises a night of mutual appreciation and memories. And for those wondering about the lady with the yellow feathers in her hair? Manilow let slip a little secret: Lola from “Copacabana” isn’t a real person.

Spokane fans can catch this legendary performance one last time at the Spokane Arena on July 11th. It promises to be a night of high energy, deep nostalgia, and a masterclass in showmanship from a man who truly writes the songs that make the whole world sing.

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