The Democratic Harmony: Manilow’s Digital Cession of Setlist Control

INTRODUCTION

The cursor hovered over a list of nearly five hundred titles—a digital archive of American pop history—before clicking “submit.” On January 12, 2026, the launch of the “Fan Choice Setlist” portal for Barry Manilow’s upcoming tour leg transformed the relationship between the icon and his “Fanilows” into a live, democratic experiment. For a performer whose stagecraft is defined by a meticulous, clockwork precision, the decision to cede control of three slots per night is a staggering departure from a half-century of tradition. Coming on the heels of a successful pulmonary recovery and the high-energy release of his Kygo collaboration, this initiative signals a shift in the narrative architecture of “The Last, Last Tour.” It is no longer merely a retrospective presented by the artist; it is a collaborative legacy being co-authored by the millions who have sustained it.

THE DETAILED STORY

The paradox of the Manilow concert has always been the tension between its industrial-strength polish and its profound emotional intimacy. Since the 1970s, every modulation, confetti blast, and anecdotal beat has been engineered for maximum resonance. However, as he prepares for his monumental “Opening Night” at Manchester’s Co-op Live this May, Manilow is introducing a strategic variable. By allowing ticket holders to vote on “rotating deep cuts”—songs that might include the operatic “Read ’Em and Weep” or the disco-infused “Rain”—the artist is effectively dismantling the “fourth wall” of the arena experience. This move addresses a significant implication for the 2026 touring season: in an era of static, viral-ready performances, how does a legacy artist maintain a sense of genuine, nightly spontaneity?

Logistically, the “Fan Choice” system is a masterclass in modern engagement. Linked directly to ticket verification, the portal ensures that only those attending a specific venue, such as Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena or the Accor Arena in Paris, can influence the evening’s repertoire. For Manilow, who recently returned to high-intensity choreography after his December health scare, the challenge is as much physical as it is musical. His band and technical crew must remain in a state of perpetual readiness, prepared to pivot between complex orchestral arrangements at a moment’s notice. This flexibility serves as a testament to the technical caliber of the production, proving that even at eighty-two, Manilow’s commitment to his craft is not a static monument but a living, breathing entity.

Ultimately, this democratic pivot reinforces the theme of his latest single, “Once Before I Go.” The song, produced by Babyface, serves as a lyrical acknowledgement that the stage is a shared space. By inviting the audience into the director’s chair, Manilow is ensuring that each night of his final European and North American dates remains a unique, unrepeatable artifact. As the votes pour in from across the Atlantic, the industry is witnessing the evolution of the farewell tour: a transition from a masterclass in performance to a collective act of remembrance. It is a powerful reminder that while the artist may write the songs, it is the listener who ultimately decides which ones remain immortal.

Video: Barry Manilow – I Made It Through The Rain