The King Has Been Dethroned: You Won’t Believe Who Just Broke Elvis’s Vegas Record!

Introduction

A New King in Town: Barry Manilow Shatters Elvis Presley’s Historic Las Vegas Record

The neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip witnessed a passing of the torch this past weekend as music legend Barry Manilow officially surpassed one of the most storied records in entertainment history. Performing at the Westgate Resort & Casino, the “Copacabana” singer completed his 637th show, effectively breaking the long-standing residency record previously held by the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Elvis Presley.

Elvis Presley’s residency at the same venue (then known as the International and later the Las Vegas Hilton) between 1969 and 1976 consisted of 636 shows, a feat that many believed would remain untouched. However, after 14 years of headlining at the Westgate, the 80-year-old Manilow has proven that his “Fanilows” are as dedicated as ever.

“Welcome to our Record Breaking Weekend!” pic.twitter.com/3o6OlJE07X

— Barry Manilow (@barrymanilow) September 23, 2023

A Weekend of Celebration and Honors

The atmosphere at the Westgate was electric as the venue was transformed to celebrate the monumental achievement. On September 23, 2023—now officially declared “Barry Manilow Day” in Las Vegas—the singer was presented with a ceremonial key to the Las Vegas Strip. Representatives from the Westgate and the Clark County Commission joined him on stage to recognize his immense contribution to the city’s culture.

“Tonight we are breaking his record with our 637th show here,” Manilow told the roaring crowd. Despite the magnitude of the moment, he remained humble, telling the audience, “It really is all about you guys. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you. Thank you for coming tonight and through all the years.”

Honoring the Legacy of Elvis

In a touching tribute to the man whose record he was breaking, Manilow donned a vibrant red jacket from Presley’s 1977 tour, complete with the iconic “TCB” (Taking Care of Business) lightning bolt logo. He performed a series of Elvis covers, including “Hound Dog” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” blending his signature style with the spirit of the 1970s Vegas era.

While the media has framed the event as a “battle for the throne,” Manilow expressed a deep respect for Presley. In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, he noted that their musical journeys were vastly different. “He was an inventor of a style of music… and I was an inventor of my kind of music, with the big ballads and the big backbeats,” he remarked, emphasizing that he viewed Elvis’s fame with admiration rather than a sense of competition.

Music with a Mission

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the record-breaking weekend served a philanthropic purpose. Proceeds from the shows held between September 21 and 23 were donated to several charities, including the Manilow Music Project, the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, and Musicians on Call.

With new dates already announced for 2024, Barry Manilow shows no signs of slowing down. He has firmly cemented his place as the new reigning champion of the Westgate, ensuring that the music and the passion continue to play on.