By admin 
Introduction
Barry Manilow, the legendary singer-songwriter who has sold over 85 million albums worldwide across six decades, is preparing for what he calls his final tour. Ahead of this farewell journey, Manilow joined BBC Breakfast live from Los Angeles to share his thoughts, memories, and excitement for the upcoming shows in the UK.
Reflecting on his career, Manilow spoke about the song Once Before I Go, written by his late friend Peter Allen. Though he had loved the song for decades, he said he was too young to perform it truthfully when he first heard it. Now, he feels ready to sing it with the honesty and emotion it deserves. “I’m so happy I got a chance to sing Peter’s song,” he said.
Discussing the tour itself, Manilow admitted that he has previously announced farewells, only to return later. “There was a little bug in my ear saying, ‘Are you sure you want to say goodbye?’” he admitted with a smile. Nevertheless, he insists that this upcoming UK tour will be his last. He expressed deep gratitude to his British fans, noting their unwavering support from the very beginning of his career and saying he is excited to return.
Manilow described the energy of performing live as a shared experience. Fans quickly join in, singing along with hits like Mandy and Copacabana, creating what he called “a big singalong.” He emphasized that concerts are about the audience, not himself. “I’m there for them,” he said. He also revealed plans for his final UK show at London’s O2, hinting that Once Before I Go will likely appear near the end—though not as a purely sentimental finale. “I’d go back into something high and loud and a lot of fun,” he explained.
When asked about maintaining energy for a demanding tour schedule, Manilow revealed he doesn’t warm up or take singing lessons. “I don’t consider myself a singer; I consider myself a musician,” he said. Instead, he credits his long-time band and crew for keeping him motivated and described the thrill of stepping on stage before thousands of cheering fans as an incomparable rush.
Reflecting on his career, he acknowledged the changes in the music industry brought by streaming, social media, and TikTok, but expressed confidence that good melodies and lyrics will always endure. “I’m all about feelings,” he said. “I want them to feel something. That’s what keeps me going.”
Even after six decades in music, Manilow admitted he sometimes questions why audiences applaud so enthusiastically. Yet, he believes that his honesty—whether in lyrics, jokes, or stage presence—is what keeps fans returning. Though he never set out to be a singer, he embraced the path his demos created and grew to enjoy connecting with audiences around the world.
As Barry Manilow returns to the UK for his final tour, it’s clear that his music, honesty, and emotional connection with fans will continue to resonate, offering a farewell filled with both celebration and heartfelt sentiment.