Barry Manilow, 81, Announces Farewell Performances: ‘My Voice and Energy Are Still Going Strong’
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The singer explained that The Last Concerts series gave him the opportunity to take the stage while he was still in good health and continued to enjoy performing.
Barry Manilow has shared his reasons for launching a farewell tour and reflected on how the music industry has shifted since his early success.
In a recent interview with Billboard published on June 4, the 81-year-old music icon discussed The Last Concerts, a limited series of shows in select U.S. cities that have supported him throughout his five-decade career.
The “Copacabana” singer noted that touring again made him think about his journey and the fellow artists from his era. “Sometimes I look around and think, ‘Am I the last one still out here?’” he said, mentioning contemporaries like Billy Joel, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, and Diana Ross. He added that while only a few artists from his generation are still performing, he remains in good health and full of energy. “I’ll know it’s time to stop when I can’t hit that F natural in ‘Even Now,’ but right now, I still can.”
Manilow also expressed sympathy for Joel, who recently revealed a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus, a neurological condition involving fluid buildup in the brain. “It was heartbreaking,” Manilow said. “I’m such a fan of his work, and I truly hope he’s able to come back.”
Following his tour stops in states like Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and California — including a final performance in San Jose on July 20 — Manilow will return to his Las Vegas residency at Westgate on June 12.
Describing his farewell performances, Manilow said the experience is emotional. “It’s hard knowing this is the last time I’ll perform in these cities. Usually, I’d expect to come back, but not this time,” he explained. “I’ve toured these places for so many years, but this is truly the end.”
He also spoke about how his music has changed over time and revealed he’s working on one final album, which he hopes will have a modern sound. “This will probably be my last record,” said Manilow, referring to his first new album since Night Songs II was released in 2020.