A Record No One Thought Would Fall: Barry Manilow Just Did the Unthinkable at the Westgate.

Introduction

The New King of Las Vegas: Barry Manilow Shatters Elvis Presley’s Historic Residency Record

In the glittering history of the Las Vegas Strip, few names carry as much weight as Elvis Presley. However, a new era has officially dawned at the Westgate Resort & Casino. This past weekend, the legendary Barry Manilow accomplished the unthinkable: he officially surpassed “The King” to become the performer with the most shows in the venue’s history.

A Milestone Performance

The milestone occurred during Manilow’s 637th show at the iconic theater, effectively breaking the long-standing record of 636 dates set by Elvis Presley during his residency between 1969 and 1976. The atmosphere inside the Westgate was electric, as the venue was transformed with celebratory decorations to honor the 80-year-old “Copacabana” icon.

The evening was about more than just numbers; it was a civic celebration. Representatives from the Clark County Commission took to the stage to present Manilow with a key to the Las Vegas Strip. Furthermore, September 23 was officially declared “Barry Manilow Day” in Las Vegas—a testament to his 14-year tenure and enduring impact on the city’s entertainment landscape.

Honoring a Legend with “TCB” Style

Despite breaking the record, Manilow ensured the night served as a heartfelt tribute to Presley’s legacy. In a nod to the former record-holder, Manilow donned a vibrant red jacket from Presley’s 1977 tour, featuring the signature “TCB” (Taking Care of Business) lightning bolt logo on the sleeve.

The setlist for the historic weekend included several Elvis covers that Manilow has long admired, including:

• “Hound Dog”

• “Can’t Help Falling In Love”

• “If I Can Dream”

Addressing the crowd, an emotional Manilow redirected the glory toward his loyal “Fanilows.” “It really is all about you guys,” he told the audience. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you. Thank you for coming tonight and through all the years.”

Different Styles, Shared Greatness

In a recent interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Manilow reflected on the comparison between himself and the Rock ‘n’ Roll pioneer. He displayed deep humility, noting that he didn’t view the record as a competition.

“What he did was so far away from what I do,” Manilow explained. “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. That’s the only thing we have in common.”

A Legacy of Giving Back

Manilow turned his personal triumph into a community win by donating proceeds from the three-day record-breaking run (Sept. 21–23) to several prominent charities. Organizations such as the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, the Manilow Music Project, and Musicians on Call benefited from the weekend’s ticket sales.

With new dates already announced for 2024, it appears Barry Manilow isn’t just breaking records—he’s setting a bar that may never be reached again.