By admin 
Introduction
Barry Manilow Reflects on His Career, New Music, and What He Calls His “Final” Tour
Barry Manilow, the legendary performer who has sold more than 85 million albums across a remarkable six-decade career, is preparing to embark on what he says will be his final tour. Speaking live from Los Angeles in a warm and candid interview, the 82-year-old icon opened up about new music, his deep connection with fans in the UK, and the emotional weight behind what may be his last run of shows abroad.
Manilow’s newest release includes the heartfelt ballad “Once Before I Go,” originally written by his longtime friend, the late Peter Allen. Manilow recalled first hearing the song decades ago in New York, admitting that he was “too young to sing it truthfully” at the time. Now, he feels he can finally deliver it with the emotional sincerity it deserves. Although the title suggests a farewell, he joked about his age, saying he can now sing the song “truthfully” because he feels “a hundred years old.”
When asked whether this upcoming tour is truly his final visit to the UK, Manilow smiled knowingly. He has announced “last tours” before. “Don’t pay attention to me,” he laughed, though he insists that as of now, this really is the last time. Still, he acknowledges that every time he leaves the UK, a small voice tells him he might not be ready to say goodbye for good.
His affection for British audiences is unmistakable. From his very first performance in the UK, he says the reception was overwhelmingly warm—and it never wavered. “They were on my side from the beginning,” he shared. “I will always be grateful for that.”
As he reflected on his catalog of enduring hits like “Mandy” and “Copacabana,” Manilow described the electric atmosphere that fills the room when those iconic opening notes begin. Concerts have become massive sing-alongs, something he now embraces wholeheartedly. “I’m not there for me—I’m there for them,” he said.
Despite the intensity of a major tour schedule, Manilow admits he doesn’t follow traditional vocal routines. “I’ve never taken a singing lesson. I don’t consider myself a singer—I’m a musician,” he explained. What truly fuels him is the camaraderie of his longtime band and crew, as well as the undeniable rush of stepping onto a stage surrounded by thousands of cheering fans.
Looking back at his unexpected rise to fame, he recalls recording demos only because he couldn’t afford to hire a vocalist. Those very demos landed him his first record deal—something he still calls “ridiculous,” since being a singer was never part of the plan. Even today, he jokingly admits he hasn’t fully made peace with being the one in the spotlight. What audiences connect with, he believes, is his honesty—every lyric, every joke, every moment on stage is delivered with complete sincerity.
As Manilow prepares for what may be his last UK tour—ending with a final show at London’s O2 Arena—one thing is clear: whether or not he truly retires, his melodies, his warmth, and his emotional honesty continue to resonate deeply with fans around the world.