By admin 
Introduction
At 80 years old, Barry Manilow continues to defy expectations, proving once again that time has only sharpened his passion for performing. Over the weekend, the legendary singer made history at Radio City Music Hall, becoming the artist with the most performances ever on its storied stage after completing his 42nd show. For a venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, this milestone places Manilow in a category entirely his own.
Standing backstage, he reflected on what it feels like to step in front of thousands of fans each night. When he walks out, he sees the sweeping glow of Radio City—the grand arch, the shimmering lights, the vast sea of faces waiting for him. One might imagine such a sight would inspire panic, but Manilow says the opposite is true. “It doesn’t scare me anymore,” he explains. “It excites me.”
Yet the man who would go on to sell more than 85 million records never imagined this future for himself. Growing up, he didn’t come from a community where creative careers were common; music and theater felt like distant worlds. “Nobody where I came from wound up in music,” he said, recalling how unlikely his path once seemed. “But the music was coming out of my ears.” That natural instinct carried him from local gigs to global superstardom.
Despite his decades of success, Manilow admits he has never been able to predict which of his songs will become hits. “I never know,” he laughs. “I just write them, and if I’m lucky, I make a great record out of it.” One song in particular caught him completely off guard. He and his team never expected it to get radio play. So instead, they tested it in a disco—a time when dance floors dictated trends. When the DJ played the track, the entire crowd rushed to the floor, moving with a vintage energy that felt like the 1940s returning to life. It was then he realized the song had a magic he hadn’t anticipated.
Even with his record-breaking accomplishments, Manilow has no intention of slowing down. A full London residency and a major arena tour are already scheduled for this summer. Every night before the show, he turns to Ken, his stage manager, and asks the same question: “Is there anybody out there?” It’s not a joke—he genuinely wonders and remains deeply grateful each time the answer is yes. The fact that audiences still come, still sing, still celebrate his music means everything to him.
“I’ll keep going until I can’t do it anymore,” he says. “This is just playtime now.”
After more than half a century in the spotlight, Barry Manilow remains not just a performer, but a force of joy—an artist still creating, still connecting, and still making history.