Barry Manilow on Fans, Love, Coming Out—and Turning 82 Barry Manilow, the iconic singer and showman, has spent five decades on stage, captivating audiences with his theatrical performances and beloved hits. Now 82, he remains active, embarking on a tour despite recent health challenges. Manilow recently opened up about his battle with lung cancer, his complicated relationship with fame, and the personal stories that shaped his life. Manilow revealed that he was diagnosed with lung cancer, a condition that had claimed his mother, Edna, who died from the disease. “I thought, ‘No. I’m not going to let this happen,’” he said, adding that he was fortunate to avoid chemotherapy and radiation. However, he developed pneumonia and spent a week in intensive care, losing significant weight and experiencing a raspy voice. “I’m back,” he insisted. “I feel fine. I’m not sure my voice feels fine yet, but I don’t want to cancel this tour. I’m so looking forward to it. So, I’m going to do it whether I can sing or not.” Throughout his career, Manilow has repeatedly hinted at retiring, most notably during his 2004 “One Night Live! One Last Time!” tour and the 2015 “final” tour. Yet, he returned in 2024 for more farewell gigs, continuing to perform classics like Copacabana, Mandy, and Could It Be Magic. His resilience stems from his identity as a creator. “I’m a creator. I like creating,” he said. “The problem is, what do you do with it when you’re done creating? You have to promote it.” Despite his success, Manilow has always considered himself more of a musician than a performer. “My first love is not being a performer or even a singer,” he said. “I don’t consider myself a singer; I consider myself a musician.” He described his rise to fame as almost accidental, beginning as an accompanist for other artists.#copacabana #barry_manilow #edna_manilow #bette_midler #continental_baths
